Amenities, local services and shopping in Orkney

Kirkwall and Stromness’s main shopping thoroughfares with their flagstone streets have an enduring charm that has long since disappeared in mainland cities and towns.

Family-owned shops and businesses cater for a wide range of needs, alongside several nationally known names. Many Orcadians will make a point of going to the major high street stores when visiting the mainland, but are nonetheless well catered for locally, with shops perfectly willing to order what they don't already stock, and local people are spoilt when it comes to the range of locally produced arts, crafts, textiles and gifts to be found. Take a look at Orkney Craft Association as an example.

Orkney's reputation for high quality, fresh, local produce is upheld in many shops throughout Orkney. In the towns as well as further afield, there are many good places for eating out, ranging from small cafés, bistros and pubs to award-winning restaurants, such as The Creel, the Foveran and the Hamnavoe.

Kirkwall's town hall with its busy community centre, just opposite St Magnus Cathedral, is a popular drop-in place during the shopping round.

The Pickaquoy Leisure Centre is located to the west of Kirkwall. Along with a 240-seat cinema and conference hall, sports halls and all-weather facilities are available for badminton, tennis, and athletics as well as a wide ranging programme of fitness classes.

The Centre's arena has also become a favourite venue for large concerts and events such as the Orkney Science Festival, and can hold up to 700 people.

A fitness suite and health suite provides a variety of programmes for all ages, and there are junior facilities for roller disco fans, after schools activities, birthday parties, etc, as well as a toddler play area and a crèche.

A good number of the smaller islands and rural centres also have their own sports facilities, fitness suites and swimming pools. Orkney Islands Council's website provides more information.

 

The Pickaquoy Centre
Muddisdale Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1RR
Tel: 01856 879 900 Fax: 01856 879 901

Orkney links website

 

 

Video Clips

Each section of this website is accompanied by video clips. To play the clips, click on the links on the right-hand side of the page.

Video is provided on this website in Flash format. To view these video clips, you must have the Flash Player installed on your computer. The Player is FREE to download and install. Click here to download the latest version from the Adobe website.

 

Next, select the speed of your internet connection:

 

If you have a low bandwidth (dial-up) connection:

Video is provided in a lower-quality, smaller file size for quicker download. Click here to begin your tour.

or.....

If you have a DSL or broadband connection:

Video is provided in a higher-quality format which is larger in file size. Click here to begin your tour.

 

Map of Orkney