One of the attractions of touring Orkney is the simplicity of the place. Nothing is too far away, and you can reach the isles by simply hopping on a ferry or a flight.
But, if you’re like us, you still might prefer to have a plan – just so you don’t miss anything!
Guide books are great and social media suggestions are essential, but we’d always recommend plotting a path around the islands after picking up a copy of the Orkney Craft Trail too.
The 2018 version features 21 stops with locations from South Ronaldsay to Sanday. You can see all of Orkney’s fantastic sites and pay a visit to some of our most talented craftspeople en-route.
The trail covers everything from jewellery, artwork and ceramics, to textiles, tapestry and traditional furniture makers. Visit workshops and showrooms to see them at work and some of their finished products. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome and a wonderful insight into their craft.
The trail was launched in 1996 by Orkney Crafts Association to highlight the work of its members around the islands. As well as a downloadable brochure and hard copies, which can be picked up at tourist locations throughout Orkney, special roadside signs mark the trail around the county.
Island locations include Bill McArthur’s ‘Gallery in the Nortwa’ in Sanday, Hume Sweet Hume in Westray and the Crafthub in Rousay. There are three stops over the Churchill Barriers and the brand-new Kirk Café and Gallery at Sheila Fleet’s base in the east mainland too.
In Kirkwall there are jewellery and furniture makers. Further west there are jewellery designers, textile designers, artists, potters and a woodturner, as well as some of Orkney’s finest historical attractions and most spectacular scenery.
Each stop will showcase something different and you’ll be able to pick up souvenirs, gifts and maybe even something special for yourself on the way.
Best of all, though, you’ll also get to meet local residents who are all inspired by these islands.
Download your own version of the brochure. You can also find the Orkney Crafts Association on Facebook and Twitter.
The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020 Programme.