The quaint town of Kirkwall in Orkney is a thriving coastal gem, home to numerous independent businesses, some of which have been trading for over a century. In 2019, Kirkwall’s high street was voted Scotland’s most beautiful, securing 21% of the public vote.

Duncan McLean, chairman of Kirkwall Business Improvement District, said the award recognises “the efforts of local individuals, public bodies and voluntary organisations to make the town a wonderful place to live, work and socialise. It was the support of our community that won this award, and to know that the people of Kirkwall love and are proud of their town is the best reward of all.”

According to Orkney’s official website, around 50 independent businesses operate in Kirkwall, including distilleries, butchers, garden centres and art galleries.

One of the oldest establishments in the area is William Shearer, which has served locals for 170 years and is believed to be one of Scotland’s oldest retail outlets. Shearer’s operates as a supermarket, hardware store, and garden centre, and even houses a gun room.

The owner, Richard, told The Times: “We don’t fear anything for the supermarkets. We were here long before them, and we’ll still be here when they’re gone.”

Kirkwall also boasts a captivating heritage and family-friendly attractions, complemented by its thriving independent retail scene. The most popular activity in the town, according to Tripadvisor, is visiting Saint Magnus Cathedral.

The stunning Romanesque edifice of red and yellow sandstone took roughly 300 years to construct and drew pilgrims from throughout northern Europe.

One visitor remarked: “Very impressive, very old church with a lot of history, in the centre of the town. An absolute must see if you’re in Kirkwall.

The Orkney Museum likewise attracts visitors who come to marvel at the collection of artefacts spanning from the Stone Age through to modern times.

A Tripadvisor reviewer observed: “A great local museum coveting everything about Orkney from the Neolithic to the modern age. Fascinating artefacts from the local archaeological digs, which are globally important.”

Kirkwall houses approximately one-third of Orkney’s population, with a solitary street extending south from the vibrant harbour, bordered by hotels, restaurants, cafés and independent shops.

Its name derives from the Norse ‘Kirkjuvagr’, meaning ‘Church on the bay’, and the Viking heritage remains visible around Saint Magnus Cathedral.

The town strikes a balance between bustling activity and tranquil spots, scenic walking paths, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Overlooking Scapa Bay is the historic Scapa Distillery, which dates back to 1885.

The majority of its buildings were constructed in 1959, and it has been welcoming visitors since 2015. Adding to the town’s allure for spirits enthusiasts is the Orkney Distillery, a gin producer that opened its doors in 2018.

The harbour of Kirkwall has played a pivotal role in the town’s history for centuries.

Originally extending to the Peerie Sea, the harbour has seen numerous modifications and improvements over time, with significant developments taking place in 1811, the late 1990s and 2003, including the addition of deeper water facilities at Hatston.

Today, the harbour serves as a docking point for cruise ships and NorthLink Ferries to Aberdeen and Lerwick, earning its reputation as a gateway to the islands.