Kilted Holiday in Orkney

[Kiltedjohn]

I have just spent a week in Orkney, and was kilted throughout.

We stayed in Stromness, which has a very "old world" appearance. We felt as if transported back in time as we walked along the narrow streets, until we suddenly had to step out of the way of an approaching car. In the third picture, you can see the former recruiting station of the Hudson's Bay Company (the building with the outside staircase).

The first picture shows me out walking, along Ness Point, with the hills of Hoy in the background. The weather was generally overcast, but the wind quite low (until the last day!).

Of course, we visited Orkney's most famous attraction, the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae. I am pictured in a reconstructed (replica) house.

On our first night, I was asked by a visitor to pose with them wearing my kilt - the first time this has ever happened to me.

I seemed to be the only kilted person in Orkney, until the last evening, when I caught sight of a kilted young man walking past. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to speak to him, but it was good to know that there are others who like to be kilted.

[Norbo]

Orkney is a lovely place I have lived ther in Dearness and Stromness and Canterness over the years a lot os ness I know LOL. its a lovely place quiet no crime low insurance for everything. It can get a bit boring as you cant just get in the car and go out for the day as your stuck on an island . However I still love the place. I hope you went to see the ring od brodgar. I bult a ring in my garden at my old house and have a few standing stons at current house .

[rtown]

Great photos, Thanks for sharing.

[Kiltedjohn]

I hope you went to see the ring od brodgar. I bult a ring in my garden at my old house and have a few standing stons at current house .

Yes, we went on a day-trip that took in the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness, and Maeshowe. I like the idea of reconstructing the ring at home, but it would take up a lot of space!

[John_Carrick]

I enjoyed my visit to Orkney about two years ago and stayed in Stromness in the eponymous hotel. I hope the red wallpaper is now fully upgraded.
I remember it being 12 degrees in June and being the only kiltie, as per usual.

[Mike_Oettle]

While Orkney belongs to Scotland, it has a distinct culture with strong Norse overtones.
There are now a number of Orkney tartans (perhaps a dozen or less), but it is not traditionally kilt country.
I am nonetheless fascinated by it.
Zetland (or Shetland) is even less a region for kilts. But if I were to visit, I would certainly wear one if the wind was not too strong.
Regards,
Mike

[CameronCat]

Hallo, Kilted John.
I envy your week on Orkney; we had only a day.

I seemed to be the only kilted person in Orkney ...

I can say with authority that you are (were) not. We were there for the day two Saturdays ago on one of the many bus tours. Returning from Stromness to Kirkwall, and passing through a small town (Finstown at a guess) , I saw a group of three gents done up in formal (-ish) kilt rigs walking up the roadside. Their accompanying young ladies were also decked out so I guessed it as a wedding group going to the party while the main couple were getting photo'd at the church.

We enjoyed Stromness but were quite taken by Kirkwall; it seemed to have a nice buzz for so remote a city. Elsewise, I agree completely with your post; Orkney is truly an amazing place. Seeing all the Neolithic remains, ruins and standing stones made me wonder what else lies under those rolling fields and what the lives of those people must have been. We are just now learning of what they knew in the way of mathematics, engineering, government and so on...remarkable!

The only regret from that part of our trip is that the Aurora didn't come out to play during our two nights in Thurso. We were hoping from some leftovers from the recent Sun activity but no joy. <sigh> Someday, though!

Peace
JT

ETA: To agree with Mike Oettle, yes, we saw a handful of Norwegian flags flying at homes and farms as well as the Orkney flag at others. The Orkney flag is based on Norway's flag but with additional yellow bars.

[cessna152towser]

Excellent pics. Brings back happy memories of my visit to the Orkneys in 2004. Stayed in a hotel in Stromness, visited all the usual sites, Kirkwall, Finstown, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar etc.