Shopping in Orkney: Local Crafts, Food Products, and Souvenirs

Orkney offers a shopping experience deeply rooted in local craftsmanship and quality island produce, blending contemporary creativity with centuries-old traditions. From distinctive jewelry and textiles to award-winning cheeses and artisan foods, visitors discover products infused with Orkney's heritage and natural landscapes. Kirkwall and Stromness serve as the primary hubs, while independent shops and studios across the islands showcase the region's creative spirit.

1. Overview: Shopping Diversity & Key Towns

Orkney's shopping scene prioritizes independently owned businesses offering locally made crafts, foods, and souvenirs. Kirkwall and Stromness are the main towns, featuring a mix of high-street chains (Tesco, Lidl) and dominant local shops [1]. Kirkwall's compact center and Stromness's winding waterfront street host galleries, delis, and craft studios. Village shops like Baikie's Stores in Finstown and William Shearer in Kirkwall provide essentials alongside regional specialties [4].

2. Local Crafts

Jewellery

Sheila Fleet: Renowned for Norse-inspired designs, her Kirk Gallery & Café in Tankerness showcases jewelry alongside a café using local ingredients [3][8].
Workshop & Loft Gallery: This St Margaret’s Hope co-operative features jewelry alongside knitwear and ceramics, emphasizing Orkney’s maritime themes [6].
Styles: Designs often draw from Celtic knots, Viking motifs, and natural elements like sea waves and wildlife, using silver, gold, and ethically sourced gemstones [2][9].

Pottery & Ceramics

While specific potters like Harray Potter aren’t detailed in sources, studios such as Orkney Arts and Crafts produce hand-thrown pottery inspired by coastal textures [9].

Textiles

North Ronaldsay Wool: Used by A Yarn from North Ronaldsay for felted art and Rinansay Weavings for handwoven textiles [9].
Workshop & Loft Gallery: Known for knitwear combining traditional techniques with modern patterns [6].

Other Crafts

Woodwork: Artisans create items from driftwood and native timber, available at Workshop & Loft Gallery [6].
Glassware: Limited mentions, but galleries like Creative Orkney Trail members likely feature glass artists [2].
Art Prints: Sold at Orkney Arts and Crafts and The Loft Gallery, depicting landscapes and wildlife [6][9].

3. Food & Drink Products

Product	Key Producers/Shops	Where to Buy
Cheese	Orkney Cheese Co. (cheddar), Grimbister Farm (crumbly), Vera Russell’s squeaky cheese [7][10]	The Brig Larder (Kirkwall), Bayleaf Delicatessen (Stromness) [4][10]
Whisky/Gin	Orkney Distilleries (e.g., Highland Park, Kirkjuvagr)	Specialist shops in Kirkwall, Swannay Brewery (beer-infused dishes at The Kirk Café) [3][5]
Oatcakes	Stockan’s Oatcakes (Stromness)	Local supermarkets, delis, and Stockan’s factory shop [3][7]
Fudge	Argos Bakery (original Robertson’s recipe), Orkney Fudge Cheesecake	Stromness shops, cafes like The Kirk Café [7][10]
Bere Meal	Barony Mill (world’s only beremeal producer)	William Shearer, village shops [4]
Smoked Fish	The Fish Plaice (QA Shellfish)	The Brig Larder, Jollys of Orkney [4]

4. Souvenirs Beyond Crafts & Food

Books/Maps: Look for historical guides and Orkney-focused literature at Stromness bookshops.
Puffin-themed Items: Likely found in harbor-side gift shops (not explicitly cited).
Local Art Prints: Available at The Loft Gallery and Orkney Arts and Crafts [6][9].

5. Key Shopping Areas

Kirkwall

Albert Street & Bridge Street: Independent boutiques (Judith Glue for food gifts), galleries like The Longship, and Donaldsons for traditional provisions [4].
High Street Mix: Chains (Boots, Superdrug) alongside delis like Kirkness & Gorie (hidden near St Magnus Cathedral) [4].

Stromness

Main Street: A winding route with The Workshop (knitwear), Stockan’s Oatcakes, and Bayleaf Delicatessen [6][7].

6. Creative Orkney Trail

This self-guided trail connects over 50 studios and workshops. Visitors use a booklet with maps (available at tourist centers) to explore:

Participating Venues: Jewelry workshops, pottery studios, textile makers, and galleries like Sheila Fleet’s Kirk Gallery [2][8].
Island Coverage: Includes Mainland, Shapinsay, and Westray, with signposts guiding travelers [2].

7. YouTube Video Recommendations

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for “Creative Orkney Trail walkthrough” or “Shopping in Stromness.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to buy Orkney jewellery?

Visit the workshops/galleries of designers like Sheila Fleet, or browse the numerous jewellery shops and galleries in Kirkwall and Stromness.

Can I buy Orkney crafts online?

Yes, many Orkney artisans and shops, including members of Creative Orkney, have online shops.

Are shops open on Sundays in Orkney?

Some shops in Kirkwall and Stromness may open on Sundays, especially during the peak tourist season, but many smaller shops and those in rural areas will be closed. Check opening times in advance.

Where can I buy Orkney whisky?

The distillery visitor centres (Highland Park, Scapa) sell their products. Specialist off-licences in Kirkwall and Stromness offer a wide selection, including independent bottlings.

Shopping in Orkney is about discovering quality, creativity, and products with a strong sense of place. By supporting local artisans, food producers, and independent shops, you take home not just a souvenir, but a genuine piece of the islands' unique culture and heritage. Find Orkney accommodation conveniently located for exploring the shops of Kirkwall, Stromness, or the Creative Orkney Trail.