His poems, novels, short stories, and local newspaper columns focused mostly on the intricacies of Orkney life, and the people who live here.

Stromness was his home and he spent most of his life in the town. It inspired many of his greatest works and a special George Mackay Brown Trail has been launched so visitors can see some of the sites that influenced him.

The trail takes you from his birthplace in the heart of the town through the street that he described as ‘uncoiling like a sailor’s rope, from north to south’. You can follow the path of his life and many of the local houses he stayed in, enjoying the views he grew up with.

Visit our George Mackay Brown Trail page for more information, including a route map, descriptions, and the chance to download the full guide.

The trail is the work of the Orkney Arts Society, with the support of the George Mackay Brown Fellowship and the Stromness Museum.