Newsletter 4
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ort Explorer P © 2010 maps.com KIRKWALL SCOTLAND he Orkney archipelago lies about 20 miles Tto the north of the Scottish mainland. The two are separated by the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, the area where the North Sea and the Atlantic meet. There are, in all, about 70 islands, 28 of which are inhabited. The largest of the islands is the Mainland upon which is situ- ated Kirkwall, the administrative center. Kirkwall’s strategic position in the heart of the is- lands has established the community as a cross- roads for commerce, communications and ser- vices. Approximately 20,000 people live in the Orkney with the majority living in the two main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. The climate is mild, warmed by the Gulf Stream currents and the scenery is stunning. This com- HISTORY bined with the rich archaeological treasures of Kirkwall’s history is a maritime history. At the end of the first millennium, the Mainland attracts visitors from all over the Kirkwall was at the center of a Norse trading route between Scandinavia world to Kirwall, the gateway to Orkney. and Iceland. The Viking longboats took on provisions and traded in the settlement making Kirkwall more Scandinavian than Scottish during its early years. In fact, the name Kirwall is loosely derived from an old Norse name “Kirkjuvagr,” which means Church Bay. A church was founded to Saint Olaf in the bay in the early 11th century. In 1468 Orkney came under the rule of James III of Scotland. By the mid 15th century Kirkwall was the administrative center for the northern islands. During the 1800’s work began on a series of harbor developments which made the port more accessible to larger and faster ships. Improvements have continued over the years making Kirkwall one of the busiest deep water ports in the region. The city is a major transportation hub for the fast ferries connecting the northern islands and the mainland. Most visitors travel to Kirwall, for the beautiful scenery, the amazing archaeological sites, to rediscover their family heritage and to enjoy the islands famous hospitality. KIRKWALL PLACES OF INTEREST Scapa Flow has served as a natural harbor since the days when Viking long-ships first called upon Orkney waters. Mercat Cross dates from 1621 and was a central place of communications for the community. The Cross was used to Ringed by a necklace of islands, this great expanse of almost make verbal contracts binding in an age when it was difficult landlocked sea provided a safe anchorage for the Royal Navy to prepare written agreements. Public proclamations were through both world wars. The Flow was the scene of momen- made at the Cross and it was also used as a pillory. tous happenings during the First World War when the Ger- man Fleet consisting of 74 battleships, cruisers and destroy- St. Magnus Cathedral - Norse ers was interned in Scapa Flow. Rather than surrendering his Earl Rognvald Kolson commenced fleet, Admiral Van Reuter scuttled the ships. construction on the cathedral in 1137 in memory of his uncle Saint Lyness Military Base was built in 1917 as part of the Royal Magnus. Today, the magnificent Navy’s refueling facility for the British Grand Fleet stationed in Viking structure dominates the the historic waters of Scapa Flow. The community grew and skyline for many miles and is one by 1940 there were over 12,000 military and civilian person- of the finest and best preserved medieval cathedrals in Scot- nel at Lyness. The base even has its own services newspaper land. named the ‘Hoy Poly’, full of comments about life at Lyness. The base is located on the Island of Hoy where the Visitor Bishop’s Palace dates to the 12th century and was construct- Centre and Naval Museum is dedicated to the men and wom- ed to originally provide a private residence for Bishop William en who served here during two World Wars. the Old, which was close to the Cathedral. The structure was built to conform to the plan of a Royal Norwegian Palace. Marwick Head rises from the sea with sheer stark cliffs. Lo- Bishop Robert Reid rebuilt the Palace in the 16th century. cated on the Northwest corner of the Mainland, this area is the nesting ground for nearly a million seabirds. Earl’s Palace was built in 1600 by Earl Patrick Stewart. The palace is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. The most interesting features are the carved decoration, the oriel windows and the great hall in which is one of the noblest state rooms of any castle in the kingdom. The Loons area is the best remaining marshland in Orkney The Orkney Museum is situated in the Tankerness House and has been purchased by the Royal Society for the Protec- and Gardens which is considered one of Scotland’s finest tions of Birds. The Loons may become completely flooded townhouses. The museum offers a dynamic introduction to in winter and offer a safe haven to a variety of birdlife. Eight the island’s rich archaeology heritage. species of ducks breed on The Loons included widgeon and Beyond Kirkwall pintail. There are also, lapwing, redshank, and oystercatchers nested here. In addition there are substantial colonies of both Skara Brae is a prehistoric village dating from the Stone Age. black headed and common gulls and arctic terns. The village is in a remarkable state of preservation and is one of a very few archaeological sites where it is actually possible Birsa Moors is a nature reserve made of moorland domi- to imagine life-styles of the inhabitants. Radiocarbon dating nated by heather. Marsh and bogs also comprise the large suggests the site was occupied from before 3100 BC to ap- region, which supports a great deal of wildlife including birds proximately 2600 BC. of prey. is linked to the mainland by a mile of causeway. Skaill House is the finest mansion in Orkney, a family home Lamb Holm steeped 5,000 years of history. The house stands on the Situated on the island is the Italian Chapel. Built by Italian dunes between Loch of Skaill and the Atlantic Ocean, adja- prisoners, the chapel has delicate wrought iron tracery, and cent to Skara Brae. Its striking architecture spans four centu- frescos. The chapel is now one of the most visited monuments ries. The house still contains memorabilia reflecting the previ- in Orkney and is a fitting memorial to those lost in wartime. ous owner’s ecclesiastic, mercantile, agricultural and military Highland Park Distillery is the most northern Scotch whisky exploits. distillery in the world. Highland Park produces a 12-year old single malt whisky that comes from the local peat beds, which Ring of Brodgar is one of the best examples of stone circles have absorbed the salt spray for centuries and which impart anywhere. This great Henge mon- a rooty, heathery quality to the whisky. The Distillery is one of ument is a perfect stone circle, Orkney’s most popular attractions. which retains 27 of its original 60 stones and was erected with math- ematical precision some 5,000 years ago. Shore EXCUrsions quired at public telephones to dial the access numbers listed To make the most of your visit to Kirkwall and surrounding below. areas we suggest you take one of the organized Shore Ex- AT&T: 0.800.89.0011 cursions. For Information concerning tour content and pric- MCI: 0.800.279.5088 ing, consult azamaraclubcruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, guests are ad- Transportation vised to take with them only the items they need and to secure Limited taxi services are available at the pier. Fares should any valuables. be negotiated prior to departing the pier. Local CUstoms Local TOUrist Office Bargaining: Shop prices in the United Kingdom are fixed. The Orkney Tourist Information Center is located at 6 Broad Tipping: Where a service charge is not included in a restau- Street, Kirkwall, near the Town Hall and Orkney Museum. rant bill, 10 – 15% is a good guideline. Local CUisine and Drink Specialties Scottish fare features plenty of local game and roasted meats. Haggis is perhaps one of the best known Scottish dishes. Fresh seafood is popular, not to mention Scottish Salmon. Shortbread and Oatcakes are among the traditional Scottish recipes and well worth a try. Scotland is famous for it high quality malt whiskeys. There is also a wide selection of beers and ales to choose from. Bottled water is recommended. ShoppinG The best shopping in Kirkwall is to be found in the narrow and bustling Bridge and Albert Streets. The architecture alone of these two main thoroughfares is worth exploring. Shopping hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. There may be some tourist-oriented shops that stay open later. Many shops also are open on Sunday. Items of interest are: Nautical items, woolens, tartans, tweeds, Celtic jewelry, pottery, hand carved wooden items and Scottish sou- venirs. Value Added Tax (VAT), is added to most purchases. Visitors who spend over a certain amount may be entitled to re-claim some or all of the tax paid, however, regulations and condi- tions governing the refund of VAT are subject to change and RCCL cannot guarantee the cooperation of local authorities. Local CUrrency The unit of currency in Britain is the Pound Sterling. There are 100 pennies (pence) to the Pound. Notes are available in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Most major credit cards are accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants.