Things to see and do ÎLES ORCADES ET SHETLAND

St Magnus is the northernmost cathedral in Britain. Its construction began in 1137 and lasted 300 years. Its Romanesque architecture is one of the most interesting in Scotland. St Magnus, to whom it is dedicated, had a reputation for great kindness. During a raid from Norway against Anglesey, Wales, he refused to take part in the fighting and remained on the ship reciting psalms. King Eystein II granted him part of Orkney, which was then under the authority of his cousin, Hakon, and they ruled together from 1105 to 1114.

The Neolithic dwellings in Barnhouse Village were probably occupied by those who built Maeshowe and the foundations give a good impression of what the houses looked like at the time. 1.5 km further on you will find the very romantic Ring of Brodgar. Its monoliths are said to be between 3,500 and 4,000 years old. Sitting enthroned in the heather, 27 of the original 60 are still visible. Between the two sites, you will pass the Ness of Bodgar, still under excavation.

The Orkney Museum is particularly well developed and is full of information and objects of great interest. Set up in a former Kirkwall house opposite the cathedral, its exhibition is a bit like a labyrinth, with rooms that follow one another in all directions. The contents are nonetheless very interesting and instructive, telling the history of the archipelago, from its origins to the present day, from the Stone Age, the Picts and the Vikings. It is an excellent introduction to discovering the region.

On the tiny island of Lamb Holm, between St Margaret's Hope and Kirkwall, lies this small chapel with a fascinating history. It was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. They began to build a real place of worship with everything they had at hand: military barracks, tin, concrete and wood. In spite of these makeshift raw materials, they managed to recreate a small architectural gem with a bell tower, columns, wall paintings and even an altar.

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

Built in 1665 to defend the bay of Bressay, the fort was rebuilt in 1781 and then modified during the Victorian era. Unfortunately, only the ramparts remain today. In good weather, take a walk along the small cliffs of the Knab, at the southern tip of the town, or to the loch of Clickimin, just west of the town. On a small island in this small lake, connected to the shore by a dyke, is a perfectly preserved circular brooch dating back to the Iron Age. The lake is frequented in particular by tufted ducks.

This protected lake and surrounded by pastures cover 115 hectares. In addition to the breeding birds, such as the large cormorant and the hidden goose, there are few rare species. In autumn, the lake serves as a step to more than 300 singers from Iceland and Lapland. For several years, one of them has ceased to migrate and has been established there. This large bird, with completely white plumage, is noticed at its long right neck, with its black black beak.

The second Orkney distillery, Scapa, was created in 1885 but went through a deep crisis in the 1990s and almost closed down... Fortunately, this never happened and facts proved that there was indeed room for two great whisky names in Kirkwall. The tour takes in the entire production site and its magnificent surroundings, before tasting a 14 year old dram, less peaty than most single island malts but radiantly fruity and spicy. Those under 18 have no access to guided tours.

Located in Kirkwall, Scotland, the VisitScotland Kirkwall iCentre is a tourist office offering a wealth of information on the town and surrounding area.

Founded in 1798, Highland Park is the northernmost distillery of Scotland, just overtaking Scapa! It has won the San Francisco World Spirit Competition several times, which brings together experts from all over the world. This is where it gets its slogan "Best spirit in the World", and we can't say that it has really usurped it... Its flagship single malt, the 12 year old, exudes notes of honey, heather, and spices, with a background of Orkney peat. The one-hour tour is very complete and ends with a tasting.

The Standing Stones of Stenness would have been erected 5,000 years ago. They belong to a series of domestic and ritual monuments. There were twelve standing stones on this site, but only four remain today. Their forms and stature are absolutely stunning and the highest is 6 m high. A path perpendicular to the road and parallel to the field where they are located leads in a short time to Barnhouse Village, another site to visit if you are interested in Prehistory.

You will have to check the tides before going to this small island, whose access depends entirely on them. There are interesting Pictish and Viking remains, although much more recent than all the neighbouring attractions. The area was densely populated between the 7th and 13th centuries and witnesses to the past include a large Celtic stone (a replica, the original is on display in Edinburgh), ruins of Scandinavian dwellings and a Romanesque church. The info point contains information and objects found during excavations.

Built between 500 and 200 BC, this Iron Age site is admirably well preserved and complete for its great age. A brooch is a construction unique to Scotland of this period and formed a defensive tower to protect the villagers from frequent raids. There are about 500 brochs left in the whole country and this one is one of the most impressive and remarkable in the country. Surrounded by dwellings, the whole site is spread over 45m and surrounded by a moat. The small museum displays everything that has been found on the site.

Situated on the coast south of Stromness, this battery is a precious witness to Orkney's military history. It was in service during both World Wars and was part of the Scapa Flow defences, as the main base of the Royal Navy fleet. The command post, mess, gun room, murals, and the lives of the soldiers are all told during 75-minute tours, which take place several times a week at varying times of the year, depending on the season.

If you've ever been to a few pubs in Orkney or even the rest of Scotland, this is a brewery you've heard of. Its beers are among the best in the country and are all produced here, before landing in the pints of real ales lovers. Tours last 40 minutes and depart regularly, but reservations can be made to ensure a schedule. A tasting concludes the experience (beer for adults, fruit juice for children) and there is also a café renowned for its food on site.

The Pier Arts Centre is the Orkney Museum of Contemporary Art. Located in Stromness, it houses a fine collection of works by British artists from the 20th century to the present day. Barbara Hepworth, Sylvia Wishart, Robert Adams and Callum Innes are just a few of the names. The collection has been recognized as being of national importance and its works travel regularly around the world. A varied programme of events is held throughout the year, with exhibitions and activities. A library is also accessible.

This tour is particularly informative as it tells the maritime and natural history of the Orkney Islands, with a particular interest in the whaling industry, the Hudson Bay Company, and the German fleet sunk at Scapa Flow in 1919. In the summer, temporary exhibits are also programmed. The discovery of this museum allows a better understanding of the history and heritage of this part of Orkney. If you are passionate about archaeology, you should know that this museum gathers a large number of objects of international importance.