Orkney
Orkney has long been associated with cross-Atlantic travel. During the 18th and 19th centuries Stromness Harbour provided a final stop for ships to take on water and provisions before setting out for the Arctic. But Orkney’s ties to Canada go much deeper. By 1819 around 80% of the Hudson’s Bay Company workforce were Orcadian, living, working and trading with Canada’s indigenous peoples. At the end of their contracts, many stayed, forging a deep connection between two Commonwealth countries that endures today.
Built c.1769, Category A Listed Hall of Clestrain is an incredibly rare surviving Georgian villa, recognised as ‘of exceptional quality in an exceptional setting’ – the breathtaking Hoy and West Mainland National Scenic Area. The birthplace and childhood home of famous Scottish Artic explorer Dr John Rae who discovered the last link in the Northwest Passage, this is rare opportunity to visit the Hall and hear about its thrilling history, Arctic links and how a visit to the Hall by Walter Scott on Tuesday 16 August 1814, inspired him to write The Pirate.
There will be guided tours at 11:00, 13:00 and 14:30.
Photo credit: Andrew Appleby, James Grieve, Jeffery Nerenberg.
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Access is via a working farm. Please be careful and leave the gates as you find them.
Parking is on grassland.
Gallery
Key Information
Booking not required.
Where to find us
Address
- Hall of Clestrain
- Orphir
- Stromness
- KW16 3HB