It was named as the most beautiful high street in Scotland in a public vote in 2019
A quaint town in Orkney is a picturesque coastal gem, teeming with thriving independent businesses, some of which have been trading for over a hundred years.
In 2019, Kirkwall’s high street was crowned Scotland’s most beautiful, securing 21 per cent of the public vote. Duncan McLean, chairman of Kirkwall Business Improvement District, said the honour recognises “the efforts of local individuals, public bodies and voluntary organisations to make the town a wonderful place to live, work and socialise”.
He further added: “It was the support of our community that won this award, and to know that the people of Kirkwall love and are proud of their town is the best reward of all.”
According to Orkney’s website, around 50 independent businesses call Kirkwall home, offering everything from distilleries and butchers to garden centres and art galleries.
One of the most historic local establishments is William Shearer, serving residents for 170 years and believed to be one of Scotland’s oldest retail outlets. Shearer’s operates as a supermarket, hardware store, and garden centre, even boasting a gun room. Owner Richard told The Times: “We don’t fear anything for the supermarkets. We were here long before them and we’ll still be here when they’re gone.
“Kirkwall also boasts captivating heritage and family-friendly attractions, complemented by its thriving independent shopping quarter. The town’s most popular attraction, according to Tripadvisor, is visiting Saint Magnus Cathedral.
This stunning Romanesque building constructed from red and yellow sandstone took roughly 300 years to finish and drew pilgrims from throughout northern Europe. One tourist said: “Very impressive, very old church with a lot of history, in the centre of the town. An absolute must see if you’re in Kirkwall.”
The Orkney Museum likewise attracts crowds eager to view its collection of artefacts stretching from the Stone Age to contemporary times. Another Tripadvisor user wrote: “A great local museum coveting everything about Orkney from the Neolithic to the modern age. Fascinating artefacts from the local archaeological digs which are globally important”, reports the Daily Record.
Kirkwall houses roughly one-third of Orkney’s residents, with a solitary road extending southward from the vibrant harbour, flanked by hotels, eateries, coffee shops and independent boutiques.
Its title derives from the Old Norse ‘Kirkjuvagr’, translating to ‘Church on the bay’, and the Viking influence remains apparent around Saint Magnus Cathedral. The settlement combines lively commerce with tranquil spots, picturesque walking paths and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Overlooking the nearby Scapa Bay, you’ll find the historic Scapa Distillery. Established in 1885, with most of its buildings erected in 1959, it has been welcoming visitors since 2015.
Adding to the allure for spirit aficionados is the Orkney Distillery, a gin producer that opened its doors in 2018. The harbour of Kirkwall has played a pivotal role in the town’s narrative for centuries.
Originally stretching out to the Peerie Sea, the harbour has seen numerous enhancements and expansions over the years, with significant developments taking place in 1811, the late 1990s and 2003, including the addition of deeper water facilities at Hatston.
Nowadays, the harbour serves as a docking point for cruise ships and NorthLink Ferries heading to Aberdeen and Lerwick, earning its reputation as a gateway to the islands.