Summer is here and it’s a fabulously busy time for Orkney’s talented crop of food, drink, and crafts makers.
People from around the world are arriving in the islands to taste test products and watch beautiful, bespoke pieces being handcrafted in workshops and studios. And in amongst it all, our creative community continues to come up with new items to wow both locals and visitors alike.
We’ve picked out some of our favourite new items from our Creative Orkney and Orkney Food & Drink members.
Orkney Distillery – Rysa whisky
Named after an uninhabited Orkney island, the second blended malt released by the Orkney Distillery marks the next step in the Kirkwall-based business’s journey into the whisky market. Rysa is a non-chill filtered, small batch, blended malt Scotch whisky, full of peaty and smoky flavour – in contrast to the Distillery’s first blended malt release, Fara. Both blends are aimed at giving whisky enthusiasts something to enjoy as the company awaits maturation of its own single malt.
Sheila Fleet Jewellery – Orkney Spirit collection
The International Island Games are on the horizon, with Orkney set to host the multi-sport event for the first time in July. To celebrate the occasion, Sheila Fleet Jewellery – the official medal sponsors for the event – is launching a brand-new collection which it hopes will become a beautiful memento of the Games. The Orkney Spirit collection is based on Jodie Brown's winning medal design. Jodie works as a jewellery craftsperson at Sheila Fleet Jewellery and was given the opportunity by Sheila to design and make the collection. The result is a striking interpretation of Orkney’s iconic Neolithic standing stones, available in a choice of oxidised sterling silver, enamelled sterling silver, and in classic 9ct gold.
Swannay Brewery – Scapa Special in cans
Scapa Special, the flagship beer from Orkney’s Swannay Brewery, is now available in cans for the first time. Brewed and canned in Orkney, the beer’s signature biscuity malt and crisp hop finish is enhanced by the brewery’s refined canning process. All canned beers from Swannay are unfiltered for maximum flavour, and because it’s packaged where it’s made, the beer is as fresh as it can be.
Marion Miller Jewellery - Seaweed Wrack rings
These new rings from Stronsay-based designer, Marion Miller, are inspired by the different species of seaweed seen around the island’s coast, often found tangled over rocks at low tide. The sterling silver pieces feature a 5mm Peridot, with tiny silver granules representing seafoam and beach pebbles. Marion began making rings inspired by the sea 20 years ago and she says she hopes wearers find themselves transported back to island shores, soaking up the sea spray and salty air.
Valhalla Strength Coffee – Limited Edition Island Games Blend
Did you know that caffeine has a range of performance benefits for athletes, including improved energy levels, and enhanced focus and reactions times? Local coffee firm Valhalla Strength Coffee will be aiming to tap into that market during the International Island Games in Orkney next month with its new limited edition Island Games Blend. It has a medium-dark roast with a rich, bold texture and notes of caramel and chocolate. Its 100% Arabica beans come from Central America and Indonesia and are expertly roasted by the team at the Orkney Roastery.
Celina Rupp Jewellery – Puffin and Sea Pink collections
Nothing says summer in Orkney like our puffin population and sea pinks on the coastline around them. East Mainland-based designer, Celina Rupp Jewellery, celebrates these seasonal totems with two collections of beautiful jewellery. The Puffin collection is inspired by the colourful characters that nest on Orkney’s rugged cliffs and comes in a range of silver pendants, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Celina’s Sea Pink collection features stunning bracelets, bangles, and more, all adorned with bursts of pink colour.
Burnside Cheese – Norseman and Cannonball cheeses
It has been a busy year so far for Barry Graham from Orkney-based Burnside Cheese. Not only has he been keeping up with demand for his own range of farmhouse cheeses, he’s also found time to bring back a popular range that fell out of production last year. Local cheese lovers will fondly remember the Wilsons of Westray cheeses – Westray Wife, Noltland Castle, and Cannonball. The company called it a day last year, but now Barry has taken on the brand and two of the cheeses are back on local shelves. Noltland Castle, renamed Norseman, and Cannonball are already proving popular, and Barry has plans in place to expand his production facility to help him meet demand.
Jeanne Bouza Rose – Orkney tote shopper
If you’re keen to take home a special souvenir from Orkney, or if you’re an ex-pat who wants to showcase your love for the islands from afar, local artist Jeanne Bouza Rose has the perfect solution for you. Her new foldable tote shopper bag features a unique ‘Orkney’ logo, designed by Jeanne and inspired by the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. The bags are made from recycled plastic so each use helps the environment too.
Browse our Shop Online pages for more products from our talented Taste of Orkney and Creative Orkney members.