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Interesting news · 24 June 2025

Norse Stories Return to Orkney

Orkney · from orkneymuseums.co.uk

Photograph · orkneymuseums.co.uk

Interactive displays at Orkney Museum, unveiled in June 2025, tell the story of the islands’ Viking past. The refurbished permanent gallery explores daily life under Norse rule with artefacts, animations and audio drawn from local saga history. Highlights include a reconstructed longhouse, weaponry, and personal items uncovered across the archipelago. With links to Shetland, Norway and beyond, the exhibition looks at the cultural legacy that shaped Orkney for centuries. Entry is free year-round.

Read it at the sourceorkneymuseums.co.uk

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Food & drink · Kirkwall

The Foveran

A restaurant with rooms three miles from Kirkwall, looking out over Scapa Flow, with Orcadian breakfasts and homemade bannocks.

Tours & experiences · Kirkwall

Highland Park Distillery

Orkney's whisky distillery on the edge of Kirkwall since 1798, with tours, tastings without booking and a shop.

Cafés · Saint Margaret's Hope

Robertsons Coffeehoose Bar

A family-run coffee house and bar in an old general store in St Margaret's Hope, with food all day and music.

Cafés · Birsay

Birsay Bay Tearoom

A tearoom in Birsay looking out to the Brough of Birsay and Marwick Head, with scones baked every day.

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