Historic Structures of Orkney

Orkney’s architectural landscape spans millennia, from the Neolithic remains of Barnhouse Village to the 17th-century Skaill House. This collection features rare structures like the Dounby Click Mill, a surviving example of a horizontal water mill, and the unique 12th-century circular ruins of St Nicholas's Church. Explore the ruins of medieval palaces in Kirkwall and Birsay, alongside Victorian landmarks like the Kitchener Memorial. These sites illustrate the islands' transition from prehistoric settlements and Norse strongholds to agricultural hubs and modern commemorative spaces.

Bishop's Palace

Built in the early 12th century, the palace was originally built as a private residence for the Bishop. There are only ruins left now.

Earl's Palace

The Earl's Palace in Birsay, Orkney, Scotland, is a ruined 16th-century castle.

Skaill House

Skaill House is a historic manor house in Sandwick parish on Mainland, the largest of the Orkney Islands, Scotland.

Balfour Castle

Balfour Castle is a historic building on the southwest of Shapinsay, Orkney Islands.

St Nicholas's Church (ruins) aka Orkney Round Church C12

The remains of the Orphir Round Church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, are located in Orphir Parish on the Mainland of Orkney, Scotland.

Click Mill (watermill, horizontal paddle, grain)

Dounby Click Mill is a mill located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland.

Barony Mills

The last working water mill in Orkney, still traditionally grinding 'bere'—an ancient form of barley—using water power.

Kirkwall and St. Ola War Memorial

A prominent stone monument featuring a bronze soldier, designed to commemorate local residents who died during the First and Second World Wars.

Kitchener Memorial

A stone commemorative tower situated on the cliffs of Marwick Head, built to honor Lord Kitchener and the crew of HMS Hampshire, lost nearby in 1916.

Barnhouse Village

A Neolithic settlement dating to approximately 3000 BC, located near the Stones of Stenness and consisting of the foundations of fifteen prehistoric dwellings.