Small Group - Walking tour of Kirkwall

After you have disembarked your tender from the ship to the port, you will be met by your Cruising Excursions representative, you will take the complimentary shuttle service to the Travel Centre with your guide ready to begin your walking tour.

Visit Kirkwall in a unique and enlightening journey that will take your breath away. You will be taken to witness the best of the Shetlands' capital, with its stunning panoramas, fascinating ruins and interesting facts about its population's lifestyle.

Our first stop along the way will be Castle Street. Named after the Castle that once stood here, it was built in 1380 by Scotsman Henry Sinclair, who was granted the Earldom by the King of Norway. He was told he was no to build any fortification of any kind, so without any hesitation he built the castle. He claimed that the Bishop had his Palace ‘Up the Gates', so he wanted a Castle 'Doon the Gates'. This caused rivalry between what was known as the Uppies and the Doonies which still continues to this day. 

In 1865 it was decided that the remnants if the castle were to be removed in order to make the street so the local cattle could be driven to the new ferry port in order to be sent over to the mainland of Scotland. 

Walk over to Kirk Green which is the modern site of the Mercat Cross. Its original first stood here until 1762.Used as a method of sealing contracts, it required opposing parties to touch it in order to seal the deal!

Next, we head over to the white harled buildings that once belonged to the Cathedral. In the 13th century its choir school provided a place for boys to sing. It is here where we will also see the 17th century buildings along Palace road. 

Many religious campaigners visit the Covenanters' Memorial.  This simplistic memorial marks the spot where over 100 Covenanters were hanged for their religious beliefs. Located on the Deerness coastline it was the location of where many people were imprisoned and sent to America when the ship sank.

Visit the Orkney Museum, which was once called the Tankerness House, after it was bought by the Baikie family of Tankerness as their townhouse. This 17th century building was once two manses for the Cathedral clergy and was a large building with the impressive arch. 

With so much to discover is such a small destination, this walking tour will not disappoint. 

With your tour now over you will be escorted back to the travel centre where you will find your return shuttle back to the port to join your tender back to the cruise ship.