The 5 Best Free Things to do in Birsay, Scotland

HOORAY! We'll be open again to visitors on May 31st 2021. Please phone the mill to book. Tours are at 11, 11.45, 12.30, 1.15, 2.00, 3.15 and 4pm. Numbers are limited. Barony Mill is Orkney's last remaining water mill, grinding the ancient grain bere. Milling is done in winter and in summer we are open to visitors. You can have a guided tour by the miller or a volunteer guide. Feel the building shake and shudder when the water is turned on! Afterwards buy some beremeal or oatmeal at the mill and try the recipes in our book for yourself. Entry is £3.50 for adults (free for children) but we still welcome donations which help keep the mill going. We look forward to meeting you!

Kirbuster Museum is the last un-restored example of a traditional ‘firehoose’ in Northern Europe. The house has a central hearth, complete with peat fire, and a stone neuk bed reminiscent of the Neolithic interiors that can be seen at sites such as Skara Brae, and demonstrates how little some aspects of domestic life changed in Orkney over many centuries. The house also has an Edwardian parlour and Victorian Gardens and visitors can enjoy a game of putting on the green and explore the Trowie Trail in the back garden. Kirbuster is a unique survivor which gives a fascinating insight into four centuries of family life in Orkney. An excellent place to visit if you are researching your Orkney ancestry. FREE ADMISSION. Access is currently restricted so please be prepared to wait if the site is busy, and to adhere to the safety advice on hygiene and physical distancing. It is mandatory to wear a face covering in the building and you will be asked for your contact details for Test & Protect.