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Home , Birsay, Kirkwall, Kirkwall Castle, Orkney Wireless Museum, St Magnus Festival

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KIRKWALL - CAPITAL OF “KIRKJUVAGR” - “THE KIRK ON THE BAY” t

h Ola must have attracted the g i r

y first Neolithic settlers also, p o

c but so far no evidence of n w

o their presence has been r

C found, probably because they picked the best sites, which have since been built on multiple times.

Iron Age Although there is little to see today, there were at several brochs in the area. The large mound, upon Sketch map of from 1766 which Spence’s Paper Shop now sits, at the south end of Broad Street, is almost cer- tainly the site of one of Kirkwall’s brochs, while KIRKWALL (ON Kirkjuvagr, Mighty for about eight Kirkwall was the natural another other is said to have Kirk Bay) is first mentioned years. The place for a settlement to been situated at the mouth of in the Orkneyinga Saga states that Thorfinn’s base form, being central in the the Pabdale Burn. There when Earl Rognvald was in , and Rognvald islands, and having the was a roundhouse at Grain, Brusison built a church here was the first Earl named as Oyce, or Peerie Sea, which of which only the cellar, or and dedicated to his foster living at Kirkwall and thus sheltered by the Ayre but Earth House remains, as father, King Olaf of Norway, may have been the builder of was accessible by boats until well as a large and set- who was killed at a battle at the first large drinking hall the 19th century, making it a tlement at Lingro, and Stiklastad in 1030. here as well. He was killed perfectly safe harbour. It is smaller brochs or round- Rognvald returned to on Papa by Earl also only 2km from Scapa houses at Berstane, Tofts The Earl’s Palace and St Magnus from Brandyquoy in 1821 Orkney about 1035, after Thorfinn, with the help of Bay, the head of the Norse and Saverock. the site of an earlier one. well as hog-backed grave- being in Sweden and Thorkell Fostri, in about referred to as Knarrarstadir, The original Norse church slab in the Orkney Museum Holmgard (Novgorod) in 1046, while collecting malt now called Knarstone, a Celtic priests (Papae) had a would have been wooden, and an aumbrie (a stone cup- Russia, to share the Earldom to make ale for Yule. landing place for merchant settlement between the and the remains of St Olaf's board) in the vestry of the with Earl Thorfinn the ships. The fertile land of St Pabdale Burn and the sea, Kirk visible today, an attrac- present St Olaf’s Church on and it is likely that the first tive archway in St Olaf's Dundas Crescent, date from Kirkwall Harbour Basin on a summer evening, the Girnel is on the right Norse church was built on Wynd off Bridge Street as a later rebuilding.

“Kirkwall Roads” in 1821 by William Daniell Coat of arms from the Bridge

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Aerial view of Kirkwall from the south The Street With the build- present St Magnus Lane on Peerie Sea and this shape is ing of the Cathedral and Broad Street. The saying is still retained by Bridge Bishop’s Palace in the 12th that the Ba’ Games held at Street and Albert Street century, the transfer of the Christmas and New Year today. In In Rognvald Bishopric from Birsay under originate in rivalry between Brusison’s time the town Bishop William in 1136, and the youths of the Burgh and consisted of two rows of construction of the Earl's the Laverock. houses along what are now Castle, Kirkwall rapidly Shore Street and Bridge grew, until by the time of the The original form of the Street, and the Castle or Hall grant of the Scottish Royal town, the narrow winding was to the South, on the Charter in 1486, there were street, with many lanes, and edge of the Peerie Sea in the two clear parts: the houses often gable-on to the area formerly occupied by Laverock, or Episcopal part, street, has not changed much Robert Garden’s business. and the Earl’s or King's part. over the centuries. The division is thought to be Originally the settlement A devastating fire destroyed about the position of the followed the shore of the all the old buildings here in

Bridge Street looking north from The Bridge St Olaf’s archway

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Kirkwall Harbour Basin in 1924 Kirkwall from below The mount or Cromwell’s Fort with the marina and pier on the right 1938, including the oldest was David Traill who built is now occupied by the per month, and since the first bridge was built Harbour Harbour Street part, a house called The the “Groatie Hoose” in the Hydro Electric shop and King and Court often moved between the Ayre and the and Shore Street were once Gallery, which consisted of garden, incorporating some offices, previously the about it had to as well. All Grainshore. This was a lift- called the Ramparts, no two wings, gable-on to of the ballast from Pirate Commercial Bank. In Norse that remains today is an ing bridge to allow the pas- doubt partly defences Bridge Street joined by a Gow’s ship. It was the first times this was the site of the interesting old sandstone sage of boats , but by 1858 a against the sea, and partly block parallel to the street Kirkwall Hotel, before being main Orkney Ting or doorway and carved lintel. stone-built bridge had cannon-armed precautions with, so as to form a court- bought by Robert Garden, Parliament. After the centre The Common Land of the blocked it off. against "the Common yard which was separated an itinerant salesman who of the Earldom had moved Ting has long since been Enemy". By the late 1400s, from the street by a wall became a very successful in from Birsay, Kirkwall appropriated, and under In 1859, the Harbour Act houses had started to appear, with a balcony. merchant. The “Groatie was the obvious place to Scots, but not , is was passed, and in 1865 the and the first was on the site Hoose” has now been moved hold this assembly, next to no longer Common Land. old town's appearance was of the present Hotel. Although the first record of to House gardens. St Olaf’s Church. This cen- transformed by the building Not long afterwards The this house is from 1433, tral location beside the Many houses date from the of Junction Road. Changes Girnel, now Orkney Sailing when it was owned by John The Ting and Parliament Pabdale Burn was probably 16th to 18th centuries and and developments have con- Club, was built to hold the Law, it seems that this is the Close The lane on the west a meeting place long before there are interesting putt tinued piecemeal to this day, oats, bere, malt and meal, site of Earl Rognvald side of Stevenson s paper the . stones (at the bottom of with rapid expansion of the which were paid in lieu of Brusison’s skali, or drinking shop at the Bridge is of his- crow-stepped gables), lintels town between, and after, the cash for rental and skat, due hall, and later of Earl toric interest. A group of During the visit of James V and carved stones visible two World Wars. The Peerie to the Earldom Estate. The Rognvald Kolson’s much three houses, of which the in 1540, the Scottish along the street. The town Sea has largely gone and nearby Corn Slip was used more prestigious house. ruin of one remains, formed Parliament met at faced onto the Peerie Sea, much has changed, but even to land the goods. Before Later still it was the town three sides of a square called Parliament Close. In these and the street owes its shape so, there is still much to the first pier was built, ships house of the Traills and it Parliament Square. The site days parliament met once to the shoreline. In 1829 the remind us of the past. would have moored off, goods being transferred in The “Groatie Hoose”, now relocated to Tankerness House Gardens Doorway in Parliament Square Shore Street before demolition for replacement with BP oil tanks small dories, or "flit" boats.

Unfortunately recent har- bour improvements have totally covered the attractive sandstone slipway and har- bour front with concrete and steel. The road is wider, but some of the appeal of the Basin has gone. Shore Street was also much more attractive in the past, with

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Shipping services The first Kirkwall Marina Recently regular summer steamship the Kirkwall Marina was service to the South was completed by the addition of started in 1833. This caused an extra breakwater to shel- an immediate boost to the ter it from northerly gales. development of the local Already this facility has economy, but it was 1850 transformed pleasure boat- before a winter service was ing and is a great boon for included. Finally in 1865, the rapidly increasing num- the North Isles received their ber of local and visiting “Earl Sigurd” served the North Isles for over 30 years, here at Pier first regular steamer service, yachtsmen (and women). run by the first Orcadia. This ship ran until 1931, Kirkwall Lifeboat The having been joined by the RNLI lifeboat station was first Earl Thorfinn in 1928, established in 1972 after with the Earl Sigurd follow- extensive trials with the 70ft ing in 1931. Grace Paterson Ritchie, which was then based here These steamships ran for until 1988 when she was over 30 years until they were replaced by the Arun class replaced by the Orcadia in Mickie Salveson. The sta- tion has been served by the “Orcadia III” was to serve the North Isles for nearly 30 years 1962 and later the cargo boat Islander. Ro-ro services Severn class Margaret rows of houses gable-on to the new pier was begun, began in 1991 to the outer Foster since 1998. She is the sea. Sadly they were opening in 1811. The West North Isles and today the berthed in the Basin and has demolished and replaced by Pier was built in 1813, and vessels Varagen, Earl a range of 250 miles with a oil tanks when planners the face of the "Rampart" Thorfinn and Earl Sigurd maximum speed of 25 knots. were less enlightened about was built in the same year. continue these services from preserving the past. The builders felt a direct Kirkwall. The dom- injustice on the part of the runs the service to that inates the town, and is a On the site of the Kirkwall Government, as no public island. prominent landmark, which Hotel, which was built in assistance was forthcoming. can be seen from many 1890, there stood a building Perhaps the Government and St Magnus Cathedral is a prominent landmark There are always fishing directions. It was originally called "Traill's Folly", on EU aid given in support of Cathedral was founded by ment of the town the boats and cargo ships com- built just above the shore of account of its size and style, the current pier expansion Earl Rognvald Kolson in Cathedral continues to be its ing and going at Kirkwall the Peerie Sea, and as it took and opposite this was the goes some way to alleviate 1137 and is described over- dominant feature, being vis- harbour, which has recently shape it must have been a original small pier. In 1809 this, albeit 180 years later! leaf. Despite the develop- ible from north and south. undergone considerable marvel to everyone. The Kirkwall Lifeboat “Grace Paterson Ritchie” at the entrance to the Basin expansion. With the open- Bridge Street Current Kirkwall Lifeboat “Margaret Foster” at her West Pier berth ing of the new pier west of the town near Crowness to serve the ferries to and , Kirkwall Pier now handles much less traf- fic. Nowadays many cruise ships call at Kirkwall in summer, ranging from small vessels to the largest in the world. Many can now dock at the new pier.

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Cathedral. Of his successor, Bishop's Palace or "Place Henry II, it is said that his o' the Yards". William the "little Court of Orkney was Old (1102-1168), Bishop at the most refined and elegant the time of the building and in the whole of Europe" and consecration of St Magnus that "Half a century before Cathedral, was most likely Columbus commenced his the first to have a permanent search for a patron the residence at Kirkwall. Venetian navigator Zeno had Previously the Bishop been commissioned by Earl stayed either at Birsay, or on Henry to help him retrace . After his disastrous Palace Road with the “Moosie Too’er” and refurbished old houses the footsteps of the early expedition of 1263, which Scandinavian discoverers of ended in the , does not Church, and was no doubt The “Moosie Too’er” and buttressed west wall of the Bishop’s Palace the Western World." King Hakon stayed at the exist now, except for a expanded over the years by Bishop's Palace, and died plaque on the Trustee succeeding Norse Earls, per- The Castle only had one there that winter. By 1320 it Savings Bank in Castle haps with defence as well as siege, in 1614, in the time of was ruinous but it was sub- Street, but the history is of drinking in mind. the Earl Patrick Stewart who sequently repaired and considerable interest. The About 1380, Earl Henry St had been tried by the extended by Bishop Reid first drinking hall was prob- Clair, built a new Castle, Scottish Privy Council, and during 1541-1558, when the ably built by Earl Rognvald without Royal Assent, on the imprisoned in Dumbarton "Moosie Too'r" was built. I about 1040, most likely shore of the Peerie Sea, to Castle in 1610 for his mis- near the site of Old St Olaf's the northwest of the deeds against the people of The gate set into the East The interior of the Bishop’s Palace with the “Moosie Too’er” and St Magnus Orkney. His son Robert, wall was once across the proceeded to Orkney on the entrance to the Watergate, pretext of gathering rents, and there was a square tower took over Birsay Palace, and on its eastern side, which collected men. They soon was called the "Massie Tankerness House is now home to Orkney Museum had the Castle, Girnel, Earl's More". This tower may well thought to be of Bishop Tankerness House on Palace and Cathedral in their have contained the Bishop's William, but recent studies Broad Street originally hands. living quarters. There is a suggest that it more likely housed two church officials good view of the town from represents Earl Rognvald in separate manses. After It is said that the Castle was the top of the "Moosie Kolson, founder of the the Reformation the manses well stocked with munitions, Too'r". The small statue set Cathedral. The original is became the private home of so when the Earl of into the tower was for long now in the Orkney Museum. Gilbert Foulzie, Kirkwall's Caithness arrived in August S

1614, with 60 soldiers and Plan of the Bishop’s Palace M Tankerness House gardens H

two large cannon, it took A C

some time to capture the R castle and Stewart. The cas- tle was demolished in 1615, and but for the intervention of Bishop Law, the Cathedral might well have gone as well. Robert Stewart was hanged on 6 January 1615, and his father beheaded one month later.

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first Protestant minister, who Earl's Palace or "Newark in joined the buildings with the the Yards". This rather fine present arched gateway in house was built by Earl 1574. From 1642 it was the Patrick Stewart using forced town house of the Baikies of labour, after he had obtained Tankerness, who owned it a grant of the Bishopric in until after World War II. The 1600, but was only occupied Baikies were among the briefly by its tyrannical first most successful of Orkney's owner. The astonishing merchant lairds, whose town grace and elegance of its houses lined the streets of architecture contrasts The great hall of the Earl’s Palace from the Bowling Green Kirkwall. The book by strongly with the evil of the Hossack, "Kirkwall in the Stewarts. The Palace was Earl’s Palace Great Hall from the east showing corbelled windows Orkneys", now reprinted, is finished about 1607, and S

a fascinating source of infor- was almost immediately M H

mation on the buildings of taken over by Stewart's arch- A C Kirkwall and about the peo- enemy, Bishop Law. R ple who lived and worked in them. Tankerness House, In 1615 the palace gained a now Orkney's main muse- new tenant, Bishop Graham, um, with its sheltered gar- then with the disestablish- dens is regarded as one of ment in 1638 of the the finest surviving town Bishopric, he passed the ten- houses of its period in ancy to Robert Tulloch of . Langskaill, but it was "not The Earl’s Palace was built about 1600 but was uninhabitable by 1705 weill used by him". In 1647 the Earl of Morton leased VISIT ORKNEY’S FAVOURITE: the Earl's Palace for 19 Plan of the Earl’s Palace years, and was succeeded as 1750, the slates and timbers the Kirkwall Bowling Green tenant by his son, Robert, were stripped from its roof behind the Palace. Albert Hotel who invited the Marquis of and used elsewhere. By Montrose to stay. The latter 1849 the Board of Wood and The ground floor consists of spent a month there in 1650 Forests was suggesting that a massive kitchen and large 3-star hotel in Kirkwall’s town centre in preparation for the the Palace should be made store-rooms and has a well doomed attempt to replace into the Court House and which is probably much We have something to suit everyone the Stuarts on the throne, county jail, rather than allow older than the rest of the before being defeated at the it to fall down. building. An impressive Enjoy finest Orkney fayre in our 3 eateries: Albert Hotel Ltd, Battle of Carbisdale near stairway gives access to the Bonar Bridge. At present the Earl’s Palace first floor with its large Stables a la carte Restaurant - Mounthoolie Lane, is owned by Historic Great Hall and apartments. specialising in Orkney seafood Kirkwall In 1671 Bishop Andrew Scotland, but is only open in The Great Hall was said to Bothy Bar - Orkney KW15 1JZ Honeyman took over the summer. The Great Hall and have rivalled that of any cas- sample Orkney ales and whiskies in a traditional and Palace and records suggest apartments are particularly tle in Scotland in its time cosy environment Tel (01856) 876000 that it was still in use in impressive, and who knows, with its large vaulted win- 1691, it was uninhabitable Family Friendly Lounge Bar (01856) 875397 in future some benefactor dows and huge fireplace. [email protected] by 1705. Thus this beauti- may yet pay for its refur- The corbelled windows must Food served all day (June-August) www.alberthotel.co.uk ful, yet tragic, house went bishment. The grounds are have been particularly Enjoy Orcadian hospitality at its very best! from foundation to ruin in a very pleasant, with perhaps impressive when they were century. Sometime about the best views being from intact.

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Orkney Museum Orkney Museum on Broad Street pro- vides a vivid introduction to Orkney's prehistory through displays of artefacts ranging from the Neolithic first set- tlers to the Viking period, among them a rare whale bone plaque from a Viking boat grave excavated at Scar in Sanday. There are many The new Orkney Library and Archives was opened in 2003 other exhibits from recent excavations, which in previ- ous times would have been stored in . Broad Street and the Kirk Green today - not much change in 120 years The Orkney Museum, Broad Street Hopefully this trend will con- Town Hall The present fine-looking old houses were tivals and incorporates a tinue so that more artefacts Town Hall was erected in destroyed, and in their place very handy cafe. There are may be seen in their proper 1884 and replaced a fine old rose that architectural mon- several large Stanley context. New displays are building. In 1953 the strosity, the Town Hall, a Cursiter paintings mostly of being developed on more Orcadian stated that, “Even monument to pretentious- St Magnus Cathedral. A recent history, and the muse- during the last century the ness if ever there was one”. large wall plaque lists all um holds regular exhibitions. cathedral setting took a very The building is useful for Ba’ winners since the late Two rooms are furnished in heavy knock, when some meetings, functions and fes- 19th century. period.

Wireless Museum The Orkney Museum at Albert Street in about 1880 Albert Street today The the Kiln Corner near the of communication equipment and in new premises on Harbour soon was originally and memorabilia. In particu- Junction Road, it was found- created by James MacDonald lar there is much relating to ed in 1683 by William Baikie West End and based based in St in World War II, as the "Bibliotheck of Margaret’s Hope. He worked especially to do with radar Kirkwall". Apart from an Hotel on Naval and RAF electron- and air defence. excellent selection of books Main Street, Kirkwall, Orkney ics during the war and there- for lending, it also has a very Unique 17th century hotel after set about acquiring Library & Archives good Orkney reference room, Comfortable accommodation Kirkwall has one of the oldest as well as a vast archives sec- Offering superb local cuisine examples of the technology all rooms with private facilities of the era. The museum has libraries in Scotland. Now tion. Tel (01856) 873166 Car park at rear of hotel Overlooking St Magnus Cathedral on display a very interesting called the Orkney Library, at the Kiln Corner Visitors can have temporary LUNCHES membership and Monday-Saturday 12 noon-2pm access is available. The Orkney Family History EVENING MEALS Society exists to encourage Monday-Saturday, 6-9pm the study, collection, analysis Sunday, 5.30-8.30pm and sharing of family history Bookings advisable: and genealogy in Orkney. Tel (01856) 872368 Tel (01856) 873477 They have an office in the Fax (01856) 876181 www.orkneyhotel.co.uk library which is staffed by volunteers.

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Kirkwall Shopping For its size, Kirkwall has a remark- able selection of interesting shops. These range from designer jewellry and knitwear, bookshops with many local interest publica- tions, craftshops, sports shops, traditional independ- ent butchers and fishmon- gers, grocery and hardware Pickaquoy Centre has sportand, leisure facilities and a cinema stores to electrical and cam- Broad Street about 1870 with the Old Tolbooth in the foreground. H. Wilson, era outlets. really is something for every- Pickaquoy Centre The Sadler was replaced by J&W Tait’s soon after. Note the gasworks chimney. St Magnus Centre library window body. The club is situated on “New Phoenix Cinema” is Although a few chain stores the Ayre Road, near the har- part of the Pickaquoy Centre, St Magnus Centre, the refur- are present, The Street is bour in a former fish process- and normally shows films bished and extended St mainly home to independent ing building.. several times per week. The Magnus Hall, has a main hall, retailers. In recent times leisure centre provides every- meeting rooms, coffee area, several new and interesting one with the opportunity to friends room, study library, food shops have opened. experience and enjoy a office space and toilets. It is Further outlets have diverse range of sports and situated south of the reopened under new owner- leisure activities. It is used Cathedral and is worth a visit ship and or use. Many of the for a diverse range of purpos- for the view alone. The shops sell local products, es including live music per- Centre is much used during which range from, food and formances, functions, confer- festivals and other events as drink to designer clothes and ences and shows. Laying the foundation stone of Kirkwall Town Hall in 1884. The Commercial well as for functions. The jewellery.. Hotel was sadly demolished to build the Victorian edifice. library has an fine stained Perhaps the best example is lived in the house, and per- The Centre of Music in glass window donated by Archaeology Very little at the Ivy House, at 43 haps built it. Many of these Castle Street is an innova- Brigadier Sidney Robertson excavation has been done in Albert Street. Other exam- artefacts date from the 17th Powerbowl 10-pin Bowling Alley tive new feature of the town. in memory of his wife. Kirkwall due to the modern ples are not so easy to see as century, when Kirkwall was Powerbowl is Orkney’s Ten This extremely talented duo town covering all of the they are in back gardens, developing fast. The most Pin bowling alley and Family have travelled the world Fusion is Kirkwall’s night- original settlement. under paths, or behind elaborate is on Tankerness Entertainment Centre. It playing their unique style of club and music venue which Remains of small piers have closed gates. House, but the less ornate includes 8 bowling lanes, a traditional music and have has regular and visiting DJs been found along what was are equally interesting. licensed bar, an all day café, released many albums. The and live performances. The the east shore of the Peerie Inscribed stones There are American Pool, bar football, Centre has a shop, cafe and name is influenced by the Sea but opportunities were numerous lintels and other air hockey, other amuse- an upstairs bar where live concept, which is a blend of lost when the Kiln Corner inset stones on buildings in ments, video games and a music is frequently played. club, bar and live perform- and Auction Mart sites were The Street with inscriptions, dance stage. The complex is Tuition is also available. ance music venue. The varied redeveloped. The former usually referring to the mar- programme ensures that there open 7 days per week. Garden’s yard must be a riage of a couple who once Initialled stone in Bridge Street prime site for investigation Wrigley Sisters’ Centre of Music Fusion - Kirkwall’s nightclub before it is redeveloped. 34 Victoria Street was the site of the mansion of Traill of Elsness. IT HS - John Traill and Helen Stewart 1679.. Now on the wall of the Orkney Hotel Evidence of the past can be seen in the form of several small slipways on the west side of The Street, which once faced the Peerie Sea.

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New Year’s Days. These KIRKWALL - PLACES tussles between the Uppies KIRKWALL & ST OLA OF INTEREST and Doonies are very TIMELINE Kirkwallian and draw St Magnus Cathedral c.3000BC Quanterness cairn together a large fraction of Orkney Museum C.600BC Grain Earth House the community in a unique Earl’s & Bishop’s Palaces c.200BC Brochs being built sort of way. The town hosts St Magnus Centre c600 Celtic “Papae” settle Town Hall c800 Norse arrive several other events and fes- 1035 Earl Rognvald Brusison tivals including the St The Street St Olaf’s Kirk & Hall Magnus Festival in June and Harbour and Basin area 1136 Earl Rognvald Kolson the County Show in August, Orkney Library & Archives Bishopric to Kirkwall Kirkwall Harbour East Basin and marina at midsummer from Cromwell Road 1137 Cathedral work begins but the Ba’ is really the only Old St Olaf’s Kirk changes have been largely Bishop’s Palace started one which is very specific to Centre of Music 1263 King Haakon dies cosmetic. Kirkwall and Kirkwallians. Wireless Museum 1380 Kirkwall Castle built Fusion Nightclub 1486 Kirkwall Royal Charter Harbour Street has similarly 1540 King James V visits Power Bowl 1540’s Bishops Palace renovated remained the same since the Pickaquoy Centre 1560 Reformation building of the Kirkwall Skateboard Park 1600 Earl’s Palace started Hotel. However The former Swimming Pool 1614 Stewart Rebellion appeal of the Basin has been 1650s Cromwell’s Castle Bowling Green 1683 Kirkwall Library founded ruined by concrete and sheet Golf Course 1750 Earl’s Palace roofless piles. Fashions change how- Highland Park Distillery 1798 Highland Park Distillery ever and there are great pos- c.1800 Ba’ played in street Ortak Visitor Centre 1811 New Pier opens Harbour Street and the Corn Slip in the 1920s sibilities for the Eastern 1813 West Pier built Kirkwall Past, Present and Buildings in The Street get Basin area created by the Burgh of Kirkwall seal in 1675 1829 Bridge on Ayre to Grain Future A visitor from the renovated, extended and in a marina breakwater. 1833 First regular steamship 1838 Gas Company formed past to the Kirkwall of today few cases replaced entirely 1850 Winter steamship service would notice many changes, at regular intervals. Broad Industrial fashions also 1858 Fixed bridge seals Ayre Road but also many things which Street was largely in its pres- change with gasworks, 1859 Harbour Act power stations, merchants 1865 Junction Road built have survived the centuries. ent form by 1884 and North Isles steamship starts yards, garages and all man- 1876 Piped water and sewerage ner of other enterprises mov- 1884 Town Hall built ing to Hatston, to be 1903 WR Tullock first car owner ST OLA replaced by a mixture of 1910 Electric Theatre opens 1923 GPO telephone service town centre housing devel- 1924 Burgh power station opens HOTEL opments, small offices, 1928 Albert Kinema opens shops and other businesses. 1933 Regular air service begins Harbour Street, Kirkwall, 1938 Hatston Airfield built Thus, in contrast to many Broad Street in about 1930 from the east. Orkney KW15 1LE Garden’s fire, Bridge Street other towns, Kirkwall town Christmas Day 1911 Men’s Ba’- note all the hats 1947 Albert Kinema burns down Small, friendly, family-run centre is undergoing a very 1955 Phoenix Cinema opens favourable revival. Papdale Infant School opens hotel on the harbour front 1958 TV transmissions start All rooms en-suite 1967 Loganair service to Isles Ideally situated in town Annual Events Many com- 1973 New Grammar School opens munity events take place in 1977 First St Magnus Festival centre situated for ferries, Radio Orkney begins buses and local amenities Kirkwall during the year, but 1981 Lingro Broch destroyed by far the biggest, oldest and 1992 Ro-ro ferries start to N Isles Tel (01856) 875090 most all-embracing is the 1999 Pickaquoy Centre opens Ba’ Game played in the 2002 New pier at Hatston Fax (01856) 875090 2003 New Kirkwall Library www.stolahotel.co.uk streets on Christmas and 2004 Orkney Riding Centre

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