The Stunning Walled Garden at Kierfiold House

As part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, the walled garden at Kierfiold House was open on Sunday 12 July. This wonderful garden has developed over generations and continues to evolve. The high walls provide a large enclosed area but also within its shelter are smaller gardens, each with a different feel due to the inspired planting.…

theorkneynews

July 13, 2026

1–2 minutes

gardens, Kierfiold, plants, Scotland’s Garden scheme

As part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, the walled garden at Kierfiold House was open on Sunday 12 July. This wonderful garden has developed over generations and continues to evolve.

looking down a narrow paved path with a sun house to the left and sun loving plants in abundance all around

The high walls provide a large enclosed area but also within its shelter are smaller gardens, each with a different feel due to the inspired planting. The small gardens are themselves provided with extra shelter with low hedges which protect them from Orkney’s notorious winds.

John Sinclair's apple tree espaliered along the stone wall

In my book, The Gardeners of Orkney, I feature the gardeners who helped to create Kierfiold in the 19th century. Still growing and looking healthy is the apple tree planted by John Sinclair against the wall. It’s wonderful to be able to look at a plant and know who it was planted by over 100 years ago.