Kirkwall is the capital of Orkney and its largest town. It is home to 9000 residents and the town, with its narrow streets, is rich in history shaped by Norse and Scottish influences that date back to 1046.
Today it was a walking tour of Kirkwall that would take us to St. Magnus Cathedral and the ruins of Earl's and Bishops Castles. Our tour guide was waiting for us as at the bottom of the gangplank as we left the ship, and he lead us to the bus shuttle that took us into the town centre.
Once we arrived into town we made our way towards the harbour where various places of interest were pointed out to us. Gone are the colourful houses that we saw through Greenland, Iceland & Faroe Islands. Here the buildings are typically sandstone.
We are lead down narrow alleyways towards the town centre that has many beautiful buildings that are now home to food outlets and gift shops and we pause at the site of St Ola's Church that is believed to be the first church in Kirkwall built in the 10th century. The doorway is the only part that has saved and preserved.
It doesn't take long for us to arrive at St. Magnus Cathedral that was founded in 1137 by the viking Earl Rognvald in honour of his uncle St. Magnus who was martyred in Orkney. The cathedral is striking and considering its age it is remarkably well preserved with many restorations over the centuries. The interior, with its soaring columns and stained glass windows gives us a sense of serenity as we enter. At the far end of the cathedral lies a statue of the great Viking, Magnus lying at rest.
Leaving the Cathedral we walk across the street to the ruins of Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. The Bishop's Palace, a two story hall house was built around the same time as the Cathedral. The floors and roof have been removed but we are invited to walk up the stairs in the turret where we have magnificent views over Kirkwall.
The Earls's Palace was built in 1607 by Patrick, 2nd Earl of Orkney using forced labour. He was not a nice person and he was eventually executed for treason. After his death the Bishops of Orkney lived in the palace. 
In Kirkwall there is a traditional pre-wedding celebration called a "Blackening" that is a boisterous affair that involves the bride and groom being covered in various substances by friends and family, typically molasses, flour and eggs. The party then drives through the streets of Kirkwall, drinking beer, and making a loud racket. Fun? I think not……
Our tour ended in the Tankerness House gardens that are a quiet retreat for the people of Kirkwall. In summer the children like to play in the gardens where there is a stone throne for them to pretend to be kings or queens.
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