This weekend, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 there will be free tours of the Hall of Clestrain, Orphir, from 10am to 4.30pm as part of Doors Open Days 2026.
The Hall of Clestrain was the childhood home of Arctic explorer Dr John Rae, but the house itself played an important role in the history of Orkney. The guided tour will tell you more about the history of the house and of the future plans of the John Rae Society to save the Hall for future generations.
Refreshments on site will be provided by The Junction-Orkney.
Orkney has long been associated with cross-Atlantic travel. During the 18th and 19th centuries Stromness Harbour provided a final stop for ships to take on water and provisions before setting out for the Arctic. But Orkney’s ties to Canada go much deeper. By 1819 around 80% of the Hudson’s Bay Company workforce were Orcadian, living, working and trading with Canada’s indigenous peoples. At the end of their contracts, many stayed, forging a deep connection between two Commonwealth countries that endures today.
Built c.1769, Category A Listed Hall of Clestrain is an incredibly rare surviving Georgian villa, recognised as ‘of exceptional quality in an exceptional setting’ – the breathtaking Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area.
The birthplace and childhood home of famous Scottish Artic explorer Dr John Rae who discovered the last link in the Northwest Passage, this is a rare opportunity to visit the Hall and hear about its thrilling history, Arctic links and how a visit to the Hall by Walter Scott on Tuesday 16 August 1814, inspired him to write The Pirate.
Facilities: Parking, toilets, stairs.
Additional access and health & safety information: Access is via a working farm. Please be careful and leave the gates as you find them.
The Hall is derelict. Please do not enter closed areas. Please mind slippery stone surfaces outside and inside the building. Sturdy boots and outerwear are recommended.
Parking is on grassland.
