Top Things to do in Mainland
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What to do and see in Mainland, Scotland: The Best Shopping
The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred. On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.
Restaurants in Mainland
1. Fursbreck Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By CLE68 - Scotland, United Kingdom
Visited this lovely pottery whilst visiting Orkney. Work on display is beautiful with a fantastic range of items. Prices are excellent and there is the opportunity to watch the potter at work. Very friendly and welcoming with no ‘pushiness’ to buy ( although we did). Part of the Orkney Craft trail which is excellent for local crafts and to see crafts people at work. Highly recommend.
2. ArtWorks of the Earth
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Near the center of the historic haven of Stromness, this working studio/shop/gallery offers a colourful experience of the Orkney landscape. Painter, Jeanne believes art likes being accessible, so her images are found on quality reproductions, cards, tea towels, cushion covers, mugs, and more. Also for sale are creative projects from folks living in Stromness beside other ecletic crafts, all with a story tied back to Orkney or Jeanne. Since 2004, Jeanne has offered short workshops in the only North American contribution to printmaking, the Provincetown Print aka watercolour white-line woodcut which she is renaming with local adaptation, the ORKNEY WOODCUT. Future plans, to teach a workshop using R + F oilsticks aka oil bars. Jeanne will be one of the artists in residence at the Ness of Brodgar excavation summer 2018. Shop open year round. In season M-Sun 10 - 5ish. If closed phone for appointment.
Reviewed By reise3
Stumbled upon ArtWorks of the Earth & was warmly welcomed by the artist, herself, & drawn into conversation about her pieces and the history of the area. Beautiful work! There's everything from large, colorful oil paintings to prints, post cards, mugs, etc. I highly recommend a visit.
3. Little Orkney Dye Shed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Aurora Orkney Jewellery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Aurora's stunning silver and gold jewellery is all handcrafted using traditional methods in their workshop overlooking Scapa Flow. Their welcoming retail shop at 69 Albert St, Kirkwall is stocked with all their jewellery ranges as well as a large range of beautiful gifts, including Aurora's exclusive tartan accessories, a vast stock of Highland outfits and accessories and a made to measure service will meet all your kilt requirements.
Reviewed By Clubber72 - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
Went into the shop on the Main Street and was informed by the owner ( Steven ) that he had an open workshop in St Ola. Took a ride out the following day and low and behold , Steven was their and let us look round and showed us how their Jewellery was made. Very reasonably priced unlike certain others on the island and I bought a lovely necklace and charm for my wife . Again highly recommend and well worth a trip out of the town to see him at work.
5. Kirkness & Gorie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
'Whisky, cheese and wine since 1959.' Long-established family-run deli. Friendly, expert advice on a unique mix of Orkney produce and the finest cheese and wine from around the world. Comprehensive range of whiskies from Highland Park and Scapa, including rarities. Great beer from the Orkney Brewery and Swannay Brewery. Gin from all three local producers. SPiced rum from J. Gow. Cheese from Westray Wife, Grimbister, Orkney Cheddar and Hume's Smokehouse. Oatcakes, butter, fudge, biscuits, sweeties, Orkney Craft Vinegar. And much much more...
6. Michael Sinclair Woodturner
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Michael is a born and bred Orcadian and a member of the register of Professional Turners, with over 25ys experience. He is very inspired by the Neolithic period and his work often reflects finds from digs near to the workshop. When visiting the gallery/shop you are also welcome to tour the workshop, meet Michael and see how he makes each individual piece from tree to finish, here at his home.
7. A Touch of Africa
8. Highland Park 58 Albert Street
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Visit our new visitor experience at 58 Albert Street in the heart of Kirkwall, just a short walk from St Magnus Cathedral. From here you can book a distillery tour, learn about Highland Park whisky or simply enjoy browsing our gallery wall featuring work from local artists.
9. Sheila Fleet Jewellery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By E7273XWdavidk - Sunderland, United Kingdom
When one is out and about on the Mainland, this is a great place to shop and eat lunch. The mackerel, crab, bere roy and vegetarian options were excellent as was the child's menu. The shop is beautifully laid out and make certain you see the the pulpit with beautiful wood carving of Ruth and Boaz.
10. Carrie Paxton
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By gailr896 - Peterhead, United Kingdom
Carrie is such a lovely and talented lady. A really warm welcome from Carrie when I visited her studio, we had a good chat and then was left to have a look at all her stunning art work (done on glass) Carrie kindly pulled some pieces for me to have a look at according to my preferences then they were set out for me to make my decision (I never felt at any point pressure to buy anything). I finally decided on 3 very different pieces but my favourite is a seascape I have in my conservatory that changes constantly with the different light coming in the windows. Carrie is not on the Craft Trail but is well worth a visit if you want something a bit different as a reminder of your time on Orkney. I will definitely go back the next time we are there on holiday.
