KIRKWALL, SCOTLAND

This excursion combines the scenic southern Orkney Islands, linked by causeways, some fascinating traces of World War II, and a visit to the northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland.

This excursion combines the scenic southern Orkney Islands, linked by causeways, some fascinating traces of World War II, and a visit to the northernmost whisky distillery in Scotland. On the outskirts of Kirkwall we visit the unique Highland Park Distillery. Founded in 1798, it is Scotland’s most northerly producer of whisky. We can enjoy a tour and presentation – and, of course, a ‘peedie dram’!

Our journey proceeds, and we will drive close to the World War II naval base of Scapa Flow (situated on another island). We will hear dramatic wartime stories that make this one of the best known stretches of water in the world. Nearby on the island of Lamb Holm, we visit the beautifully hand painted Italian Chapel. Built by Italian prisoners during World War II, the chapel has been preserved and maintained for its historical connection with the soldiers.

Heading back to Kirkwall, we will have some free time to explore the narrow and winding streets, which have hardly altered over the centuries, or perhaps we may like to do some shopping. If we wish we can visit the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral. Built in the 12th century from red sandstone, the cathedral is the finest medieval building in northern Scotland and is known locally as the ‘Light of the North’. The most poignant memorial in the cathedral is dedicated to the hundreds of sailors who died when a German U-boat sank the British ship Royal Oak just a few months after the declaration of war, in 1939. Interestingly, St Magnus Cathedral is the only cathedral in Britain with a dungeon – Marwick’s Hole.

From here we return to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: There is walking in the Highland Park Distillery, around the Italian Chapel and walking at passengers’ discretion during the free time. Toilet facilities can only be found in the distillery. Much of the distillery is wheelchair accessible (not the upstairs viewing points). It should be noted that from mid June to mid August the actual processing of whisky stops and maintenance work takes place, although we shall still visit the Distillery. The quality of buses and the local road infrastructure are not comparable to mainland Scotland. Buses – which are often used for school runs as well as executive tours – may not have air conditioning or toilets. The visit to the Italian Chapel is dependent upon no religious functions taking place – therefore we can not guarantee an inside visit will be made.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2010 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON