Orkney on the silver screen
What a year we are in for in Orkney, as we hit the big screen in a brand new Hollywood movie, amid preparations to stage the biggest event our islands have ever hosted, in 2025.
It really is going to be a banner year for these islands, as movie fans the world over lay eyes on Orkney in all its cinematic glory in The Outrun.
Of course, we have local author Amy Liptrot to thank for that. By sharing her powerful, intensely personal story in a memoir that stunned critics, The Outrun has put Orkney front and centre of a film which will no doubt inspire many more to visit.
We are delighted to hear from Amy in this issue of the magazine, as she spends a winter here writing the next chapters of her journey — amid the launch of her widely acclaimed film with director Nora Fingscheidt.
From a wordsmith whose wonderful imagery brought the true essence of Orkney’s wild landscapes to life, to archaeologists who are busy unearthing the secrets of Orkney’s past — these islands are brimming with activity, both creative and cultural.
The Ness of Brodgar has attracted visitors in their droves annually for 20 years, but 2024 will provide the last opportunity to see archaeologists in action there.
An incredible excavation, the dig has unearthed numerous leads to the mysteries of Orkney’s ancient past, year after year — and more mysteries will surely unfold as its significant finds are analysed in the years to come.
A special exhibition in the Orkney Museum will mark this huge milestone in Orkney’s archaeological activities, with the final season of fieldwork taking place in June, July and August.
While you are busy taking in the sights this summer, consider that this time next year these shores will perhaps leave a very different impression.
For one year only, Orkney will welcome 2,000 athletes and officials from all over the world for the International Island Games, 2025.
Work is ongoing behind the scenes to make this mammoth event possible, and it will be a monumental opportunity for Orkney to shine on the international sporting stage.
We look forward to hosting this tremendous event, and welcoming all of its participants and spectators — but we would ask those planning a visit in 2025 to be aware that accommodation next year will be at an absolute premium. Services, businesses, and sights will be pulling out all the stops to accommodate more visitors than usual.
We hope you will share in our delight that this amazing opportunity has come Orkney’s way, and if you are lucky enough to be here, you will receive a warm welcome.
Once again, we have put together a magazine that we hope gives you a genuine taste of what Orkney has to offer. If you’ve been before, you know — but if you haven’t, prepare to be absolutely dazzled.
The Outrun,
cover-to-cover, encapsulates Orkney’s wild and rugged beauty, and the impressions it can leave on those who encounter it. Do come and see for yourself!