As part of the exciting events taking place at the 2026 Orkney Archaeology Festival is a guided tour of Arctic Explorer John Rae’s childhood home, The Hall of Clestrain, Orphir.

Visitors are very welcome to come along between 10.00 – 16.30 and see the work which will be taking place at the Hall of Clestrain.  Parking within the grounds of the Hall. 

This is free to attend, but the John Rae Society would be delighted to receive donations and memberships.

There is a shelter and toilets. Under 16s welcomed with an adult.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times. We are in the middle of a busy sheep farm.

The site is off the A964, between Stromness and Orphir.  There will be signs showing the turning.  The What3Words for this site is :  ///surface.contracting.gestures

The Orkney News was invited to a preview of what has been revealed as excavations take place at the Hall to establish the different building phases, and what it would have looked like when John Rae was growing up. All images credit Martin Laird.

Orkney Archaeology Festival runs from 9 to 13 September and there are a wide variety of talks and events to go along to.

Online list of all this year’s Festival Events