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SOUTH ISLAND AND DISTILLERY
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours
This tour combines the scenic southern Orkney Islands with
some interesting remnants of the Second World War, and a visit to the
northernmost whiskey distillery in Scotland. From Kirkwall we head in a
southerly direction towards the former Naval Base at Scapa Flow, where you
will hear dramatic wartime stories that make this one of the best known
stretches of water in the world. Leaving Mainland, we travel via causeways
known as Churchill Barriers linking the islands, which were constructed
during World War II to protect the naval base at Scapa Flow from enemy
submarines. Our first stop is at the beautifully hand-painted Italian
Chapel built by Italian prisoners during the last World War. Crossing the
Island of Burray to South Ronaldsay, we continue to the old herring
village of St Margaret’s Hope, named after Margaret, Maid of Norway, who
died near here en-route to marry Prince Edward, later King Edward II of
England. This peaceful village where the only sounds you are likely to
hear are those of the sea and birds has an excellent craft workshop
selling genuine Orkney products such as hand-knitted woollens and
jewellery. On our return drive we shall make a stop at the Highland Park
Distillery on the outskirts of Kirkwall. Founded in 1798, it is the
world’s most northerly whiskey distillery and produces a highly acclaimed
12-year-old malt. After an interesting guided tour and presentation you
will be offered the traditional ‘wee dram’ before arriving back at the
quayside.
By coach/on foot subject to a minimum of 35/maximum of 180. |
