10 island highlights

MAGNUS 900

Celebrate the life of St Magnus with a series of cultural events. Activities kick off on April 15 in Birsay.

WINE FESTIVAL

Taking place from May 13 to 20, this extravaganza lays claim to being the only event of its kind in Scotland.

HOY HALF MARATHON

Runners will test themselves on this tough, hilly course, one of the most scenic in the world, on June 11.

AGRICULTURAL SHOWS

August 4 sees the start of a series of events beginning with the Sandy and ending with the County Show in Kirkwall.

ROCK & BLUES FESTIVALS

The Orkney Rock Festival takes place from September 1 to 3, with the island’s Blues Festival held two weeks later.

BELTAINE

This ceremony – a celebration of the fertility of spring – goes ahead at the mystical Ring of Brodgar on April 30 at 6pm.

FOLK FESTIVAL

The 35th edition, taking place in Stromness between May 25 and 28, features the cream of the island’s music scene.

GARDEN FESTIVAL

Held between June 17 and 25, there’ll be garden trails, workshops, plant markets, concerts and guest speakers.

RIDING THE MARCHES

Horses and carriages take to Kirkwall’s streets before their riders carry a standard around the town boundary on August 13.

STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Settle down for some ripping yarns, organised by the Orcadian Story Trust, October 26-29.