Welcome to the Orkney Islander website

Download your free digital copy of the magazine

Welcome to the Orkney Islander magazine website, where you can find a wealth of information about the magnificent Orkney Islands.

The launch of this website in 2017 marked a significant milestone for our magazine, celebrating 30 editions.

The Orkney Islander magazine is a product of The Orcadian Ltd — producers of Orkney’s long established local newspaper — and aims to provide visitors to the islands with a unique perception of Orkney, from the inside out. As such, in our magazine, you will find articles written by resident journalists, and locals in the know, on everything from industry to arts, food and drink to archaeology, history, culture and entertainment.

What makes us unique? Our contributors hail from all corners of the islands, and are simply full of genuine local knowledge.

Our magazine tells the whole story of Orkney life, corner to corner, and cover to cover. You can find out everything you need, from information on Orkney’s biggest brands and businesses, to where to eat, drink, stay and explore.

Sea monsters is the theme in our folklore section, and we are delighted to have a contribution from television presenter Lorraine Kelly, who will tell you herself why Orkney is her number one holiday destination, time after time.

This annual publication is, for the most part, here to show you around — that is before you even get here, or to guide you when you’re here. So, while you take it all in, you can peruse a glittering showcase of the industries of Orkney, the amazing array of local, often world-renowned businesses, and the genuinely incredible innovations taking place in our islands.

We look forward to welcoming you to Orkney — and in the meantime, we hope you make the most of this vibrant guide to our islands, for inspiration to plan your next adventure. If you’re missing us, why not check out the brilliant array of local businesses featured in the magazine? Many are operating online, providing famed local produce, craft items, jewellery and much more to order. You will find links to their pages throughout our site, and they will be very glad of your custom.

Download Now

Competition

Win an Orkney adventure!

You can win a special trip to Orkney, for two people, with The Orkney Islander magazine.

Enter Now

Food & Drink

Orkney’s distinctive and remarkably varied range of food and drink truly encapsulates the essence of the islands. The county’s many delicacies are now stocked on supermarket shelves and served in restaurants across the UK and far beyond. Find key producers, restaurants, cafés and more here.

Taste

Shopping

Secure your own little piece of Orkney.

Our Style

Entertainment

With a range of some 30 festivals and events taking place each year, Orkney offers something for everyone in all seasons.

Join In

Arts & Crafts

Orkney is positively teeming with makers and artists. From world-recognised jewellers to textiles, pottery and carpentry, the islands are renowned for producing inspired, beautiful products.

Something Unique

Archaeology & History

Dubbed the "source of Britain's first common culture", Orkney is an absolute treasure trove of archaeological sites, historical relics and cultural charms. Check out some of the key sites and places of interest here.

Discover

Industry

Orkney's employment rates are among the highest in Scotland, with fishing, farming and renewable energy leading the way in this thriving island community.

What We Do

A Place To Stay

We can't wait to have you back! You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation in Orkney. From luxury self-catering with a hot tub, to camping with home comforts in a yurt — the islands will cater for your every need, with something to suit all budgets.

Stay

Churches

You can find information on various parish churches in Orkney.

Places of worship

Wildlife

Creatures great and small.

Wild Isles

Sport & Leisure

Orkney has a thriving sporting community. Both local and visiting sports enthusiasts enjoy what is widely recognised as a unique setting for many pursuits, outdoor and indoor.

Active Orkney

Isles

Check out our interactive islands map, where you can visit the individual islands of Orkney to learn more.

More To Orkney

Getting Here

We may be remote, but there are many ways to get here, by land, sea or sky.

All aboard!

Unique To Orkney

The festive season in Orkney brings players from the county's two largest towns out in force, for traditional games that are not to be missed . . . behold, the Kirkwall Ba' and the Stromness Yule Log!

Traditional Orkney Games

Things To Do

Twenty Fun things to do in all weather, and while you're here, visit the links to Orkney tours and attractions.

Get Started