‘A POSITIVE AND WELCOMING PLACE UNLIKE ANY OTHER’
IHe moved to the islands to take the helm at the local authority in what he describes as being “one of the best places to live in the UK.”
A year into the role, Oliver is still discovering, and enjoying, all that Orkney has to offer, with many aspects of island life already making a long-lasting impression on him. can vividly remember the first time I arrived in Orkney.
I crossed the Pentland Firth on the Hamnavoe, sailing past the breathtaking cliffs and the Old Man of Hoy into Stromness.
I then drove to Kirkwall across the Mainland, past some of Orkney’s archaeological treasures: the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe, all part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. The purpose of my trip was my interview at Orkney Islands Council, so being able to catch a glimpse of these impressive sites was an unexpected surprise.
Heading home, I knew a few days was not enough. The islands were already pulling me back before I’d even left. Now that I live here, I still feel that warm welcome back to my “home” the moment I arrive back in Orkney.
I’m constantly inspired by these islands. They are steeped in culture and connections that have been evolving for more than 5,000 years and shape our community’s way of life and current day innovation. Sites such as the Ness of Brodgar and Skara Brae, and history recorded in Viking saga tell of a confident community connected to the wider world by sea, at a time most people were barely travelling further than they could walk or ride in a day.
Continued evidence of this culture of exploration and innovation can be found everywhere you look. Today, Orkney is leading the way in renewable and marine energy, understanding and developing how waves and the wind can power and transform our future. The extent to which Orkney is championing change for the good of the entire community is incredible, especially given the modest size of its population.
While Orkney may be home to only 22,500 people across its islands, the overall atmosphere and sense of community is far from small scale. These vibrant isles have a full calendar of events. In fact, the only real downtime is during the first week of January before the cycle of festivals and events, including the Folk Festival, St Magnus Festival and Science Festival, starts all over again. In Orkney, you are never short of things to do; just listen to BBC Radio Orkney’s rundown of the day’s news and events each weekday at 7.30am!
Our streets aren’t just alive with local activities, they’re bursting with independent shops filled by internationally renowned jewellers, and local food, drink, creative arts and crafts producers.
Meanwhile, a visit to the capital of Orkney, Kirkwall, will offer St Magnus Cathedral, built under Norse rule, the most northerly cathedral in Britain and the only one still containing the bones of its patron saint.
I have found Orkney to be a positive and welcoming place, unlike any other. Admittedly, these islands do have their own unique set of challenges, but these are all part of the overall appeal and made easier to deal with, thanks to the 2,000-strong team at the Council I have the privilege to lead, and the exceptionally strong sense of community spirit.
Since moving here, I’ve discovered a great way to get a real feel for island life is to take a trip to the outer islands — a short flight will even take you to Orkney’s most northerly island, North Ronaldsay. Here, with few cars and milesupon-miles of beaches, there is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife. There’s a spectacular lighthouse, where you can look north to Fair Isle across the waves. You can also read the shipwreck log, a stark reminder of the true power of the sea. Don’t miss trying the worldrenowned North Ronaldsay mutton, which is dark and flavoursome, due to the sheep living on the beach and their seaweed diet.
Each of our islands is similarly unique and worth visiting, and accessible via our inter-island ferry links.
Meanwhile, wherever you are, the sky in Orkney is unbelievable — even in winter, the depth of the darkness and the stars are just incredible. Some days, we’re even fortunate enough to see the captivating colours of the Northern Lights — or Merry Dancers — in all their glory.
While it is possible to spend a few hours or days in Orkney and see a lot, it’s only by spending more time here, that you can appreciate a true Orcadian welcome and the real charm of Orkney.
Enjoy your visit!