September is shaping up to be a special month in Orkney’s calendar with no less than four fabulous festivals taking place.
The Orkney Archaeology Festival is one of the newcomers and will be held between 10 – 14 September. It offers locals and visitors the chance to explore Orkney’s incredible history, from the Neolithic right through to the 20th century.
There’s a wide range of walks, talks, and hands-on activities planned during the festival. Here are just six of the events that caught our eye.
Science at War: A focus on 771 Squadron Photographic Unit
This special display at the former wartime airfield HMS Tern in Orkney’s West Mainland will showcase cameras and new photographs from 771 Squadron, which was based there during World War Two.
The exhibition will be housed in a building not normally open to the public. Local archaeologist and historian, Andrew Hollinrake – who runs tours of the airfield - will be on hand to answer questions.
Entry is free, but donations to the ongoing renovation project at the site are welcome. There will also be tours of the airfield available later in the festival too.
Guided Tour of the new Viking Exhibition at the Orkney Museum
The Orkney Museum is a treasure trove of artefacts and objects from thousands of years of Orcadian history; all housed in the atmospheric Tankerness House in the heart of Kirkwall.
Earlier this year the museum’s Viking exhibition was completely refurbished thanks to a generous donation from a former Orkney resident who emigrated to Australia. It showcases some wonderful finds, from a whalebone plaque to Pictish stones, and hand-carved jewellery to tools, pottery, and much more.
Join experts from the Museum for a guided tour of the new exhibition to uncover some of the secrets of Orkney’s Viking heritage.
Special Graffiti Tours at St Magnus Cathedral
St Magnus Cathedral is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Orkney’s history. There are a range of fascinating tours already available in the ‘light of the north’, but these Special Graffiti Tours are being held exclusively for the festival and will visit parts of the cathedral not normally seen on other tours.
You’ll be able to see 12th century stone masons’ marks, names of sailors based in Scapa Flow during World War Two, and many more carvings and etchings.
Much of the tours take place in the Upper Levels which aren’t suitable for anyone with mobility challenges. Booking is essential.
The Wreck Detectives: Assembling the evidence for identifying the Sanday Wreck
There’s rarely a year goes by in Orkney without an amazing archaeological discovery, and that was certainly true in 2024 when the remains of an ancient shipwreck were discovered on a remote beach in Sanday. The mysterious timbers were immediately identified as a find of some significance and, thanks to local residents and experts from across the UK, the timbers were safely removed and stored so investigations could take place.
Earlier this year it was announced the ship dated back to the 18th century, but even more incredibly, the identity of the wreck itself was revealed. At this exclusive talk, one of the experts responsible for the shipwreck search will share insights into the wreck and the process of identifying it.
It’s a unique opportunity to explore Orkney’s rich history and maritime heritage. Booking is essential.
A walk and talk to the Knowes of Trotty
Amidst Orkney’s many ‘big ticket’ archaeological sites, there are many lesser-known but no less fascinating locations that are well worth visiting. The 4000-years-old Knowes of Trotty is definitely one of those.
This sprawling site is home to one of the largest Bronze Age cemeteries in the UK, with up to 16 burial mounds, or barrows, found here.
This walk with Professor Colin Richards and Professor Jane Downes of the UHI Archaeology Institute will offer detailed insight into the area and a real glimpse into the past. The event is free but booking in advance is required.
Bere, the Ancient Grain: Stories, Superstition & Sustenance
This special event combines history, folklore, and home-baking – if that’s not the perfect combination then we don’t know what is!
Visit Orkney’s last working watermill, the historic Barony Mill, to learn about the ancient Viking grain, Bere, which is still milled using traditional methods. You’ll learn about the milling process as well as customs, beliefs, and healing traditions surrounding the grain.
Then it’s a short hop to the Birsay Community Hall where local chef, Lorraine Johnston, will guide you through a hands-on baking session to make your own bere oatcakes.
This is just a snapshot of the packed programme at the inaugural Orkney Archaeology Festival this year. View the full programme online and book your tickets now. The festival will be held across Orkney between 10 - 14 September, 2025.