The Outrun

Orkney arrived on the silver screen in 2024 thanks to 'The Outrun', the film based on the best-selling memoir by local author, Amy Liptrot.

Partly shot in the islands during 2022, 'The Outrun' is a brutally honest drama about addiction and recovery, strength and survival, mental health and the ability of the sea, the land and of people to restore life and renew hope.

After a decade away in London, 29-year-old Rona returns home to Orkney. Sober but lonely, she tries to suppress her memory of the events which set her on this journey of recovery. Slowly the mystical land enters her inner world and - one day at a time - Rona finds hope and strength in herself among the heavy gales and the bracingly cold sea.

The film stars four-time Oscar-nominee, Saoirse Ronan, alongside Paapa Essiedu, Saskia Reeves, and Stephen Dillane. It's directed by Nora Fingscheidt from a screenplay by Amy Liptrot and Nora Fingscheidt.

Amy's raw and honest book describes how Orkney's wild landscape and natural world helped her during her recovery, from sea swimming in our cool, clear waters, to searching for the elusive corncrake during midsummer nights.

We've brought together all the information and inspiration you need if you want to experience the Orkney described so vividly in both the film and book versions of 'The Outrun' and explore some of the locations Amy - and Rona - visited.

On fine spring days the landscape glows, lambs play under the wild, bubbling song of curlews and lapwings.
Amy Liptrot, 'The Outrun'.
View from Lochside, Stenness, Orkney

Would you like to visit some of the locations featured in the book and movie versions of 'The Outrun'?

We've picked out a selection of places where you can connect with Amy's own experiences, and some of the nature, wildlife and history depicted so beautifully in print and film. Use our map below to build your own 'The Outrun' itinerary.

Double-tap a marker to view an info box.

Each pin on the map corresponds with the relevant entry below - click on each block to find out more.

  • 1 - The Outrun
  • 2 - Bay of Skaill
  • 3 - Stack o'Roo
  • 4 - Marwick Head
  • 5 - The Ring of Brodgar
  • 6 - Eynhallow
  • 7 - Wideford Hill
  • 8 - Inganess
  • 9 - Churchill Barriers
  • 10 - St John's Head
  • 11 - Knap of Howar, Papa Westray
  • 12 - North Hill, Papa Westray
  • 13 - Holm of Papay, Papa Westray
  • 14 - Fowl Craig, Papa Westray
  • 15 - Fowl Flag, Papa Westray
  • 16 - North & South Wick, Papa Westray
  • 17 - St Tredwell's Chapel, Papa Westray
The energy of waves, carried across the ocean, change into noise and heat and vibrations that are absorbed into the land and passed through the generations.
Amy Liptrot, 'The Outrun'.
Yesnaby, Orkney

Visiting Papa Westray

Papa Westray is a vibrant community and very much open to visitors.

But because of its size and limited transport and local services, a trip to the island requires careful planning and advance bookings.

Take a look at our information and advice below if you're considering travelling to Papa Westray.

  • Travel
  • Accommodation
  • Services
  • Live here
The oceans and shore create a constant, shifting harmony, the background music to life on Papay.
Amy Liptrot, 'The Outrun'.
Aerial view of Papa Westray, Orkney - image by Premysl Fojtu

'The Outrun' is available on streaming platforms.

The award-winning book, 'The Outrun', by Amy Liptrot, published by Canongate is available to buy from your local bookshop and online sellers.

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