And a visit to Orkney Museum.

The X1 Stagecoach bus service runs 7 days a week. You need to check the timetable because the half hourly service runs only to Kirkwall but the hourly service continues on to St Margaret’s Hope. The X1 also goes out to the Hamnavoe Estate. There’s a new seasonal timetable to some of the X1 buses which takes in Historic sites, travelling to the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, and Skara Brae.

For our journey we took the X1 that terminates at Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall. The travel time is half an hour, passing through Stenness and Finstown. If you were to take the car, factor in finding and perhaps paying for parking, then the X1 is a great option. For the return we took the X1 that turns in the Brodgar Road and travels past the Historic Sites.

There’s always plenty to see and do in Kirkwall but on this occasion we opted for Orkney Museum, located in Tankerness House, opposite St Magnus Cathedral. This museum is run by Orkney Islands Council and is free but there is a donation box and a small shop if you want to help towards its upkeep.

If you want to experience the history of Orkney this is the place to visit, laid out in floors for each era. It also hosts regular exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists. There was no exhibition on the day we visited but there was still plenty to see. And there are hands on activities – suitable for most ages – to help visitors interpret the artefacts. For the younger visitor there’s also a treasure trail/quiz.

We’ve been many times to the Orkney Museum so here’s a few of the exhibits which we took an interest in this time. Many of the artefacts have been ‘rescued’ and might otherwise have been lost so the work of this museum is really important in telling the story of the people of Orkney and of our heritage.

And whilst you are there don’t forget to check out the excellent display of paintings, including those by Stanley Cursiter and Sylvia Wishart.