Orkney Folk Festival

27 - 30 May 2010 : A magical weekend of traditional folk music shows and gigs that you can relax and enjoy or even take part in yourself!

St Magnus Festival

18 - 23 June 2010 : Orkney's annual celebration of the arts, founded by resident distinguished composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

Stromness Shopping Week

18 - 24 July 2010 : A fun filled week of events for all the family providing everything from sports to pet shows to bonny baby shows.

Orkney International Science Festival

02 - 08 September 2010 : A themed international festival of scientific talks, shows and presentations for everyone to attend.

Orkney Produce

With a new visitor centre opening in 2010, The Orkney Brewery is set to offer visitors the chance to discover the award-winning Orkney ales. Based in nearby Quoyloo.

Also nearby is Barony Mill which is open from May to September to visitors.

Further afield, the Highland Park distillery and visitor centre in Kirkwall is well worth a visit.

Orkney produce can be bought from a variety of shops including the Co-op in Dounby, as well as many shops in Stromness and Kirkwall. Many restaurants in Orkney sell fresh, local produce including The Hamnavoe Restaurant in Stromness - local produce with a touch of class.

Art and culture often play a large part in a visitor's experience in Orkney. Music, jewellery, artwork and photography reflect very well the environment in which they were created; the magic of Orkney.

Music

Music events are on regularly and information about these can be found in the two papers published on Thursdays, Orkney Today and The Orcadian, as well as the Orkney Advertiser.

Jewellery

There are many jewellers and silversmiths in Orkney. The nearest is Fluke Jewellery (see left) but in Stromness and Kirkwall you can find shops selling a variety of items from all the different designers.

Peter Rowland, Silversmith, has been designing and creating his unique pieces since starting the business in 1995, each one inspired by the magnificent surroundings of his workshop situated in Orphir Orkney, overlooking the Hoy Hills.

Art

The nearest art gallery is the Yellowbird Gallery just up the road from Forst with paintings and prints for sale by resident artists.

County Show Week

07 August 2010 : East Mainland Show

This show takes place in St Andrews, Tankerness and includes the annual livestock show, pet events, and trade stands. The parade of show winners and presentation of the champion starts around 15:00.

12 August 2010 : West Mainland Show (Dounby)

Organised by the West Mainland Agricultural Society. The highlight of the rural year in the West, with stock showing and judging, show jumping, sporting competitions, side-shows, music and stalls. In the evening the locals take part in a fancy dress parade, which will keep you entertained!

14 August 2010 : The County Show

This is the biggest event in the agricultural calendar, with stock showing, judging and show jumping, a wide variety of stands and stalls, sporting events, and entertainment. Family fun and a real glimpse of the rural life of the county.  This event takes place in the Bignold Park in Kirkwall.

15 August 2010 : Vintage Rally Show

Fascinating display of vintage cars and tractors, steam engines and motorcycles, held at the Orkney Auction Mart.

There is a large variety of activities to keep you occupied on your holiday in Orkney. Some outdoor activities are discussed below but there is a wide range of museums, gift shops and visitor centres which will allow you to enjoy your time in Orkney in whatever way you please. Check out the VisitOrkney website for more information.

Walking

There are many interesting walks in Orkney which you can find on the VisitOrkney website, but you may as well take the opportunity to explore for yourself.

The Birsay website provides examples and ideas for Scenic Walks and Bird Watching around Birsay.

Diving

Scapa flow contains some magnificent wrecks for those experienced divers as well as providing an ideal location to try a dive or learn to dive. ScapaScuba is based in Stromness and offers a variety of courses and guided tours.

Cycling

Stromness and Kirkwall both offer cycle hire should you fancy it (although there are no marked cycle routes in Orkney), and this can be a fun and active option for your holiday!

Fishing

Boat Hire on Boardhouse Loch for wild Brown Trout fishing is available from the Barony Hotel, Crook Farm and Cursiter Cottage, details of which can be found on the Birsay website.