My First Time in the Orkney Islands

I’m an Orkney virgin no more! While planning my itinerary, I decided at the last minute to snip two days off of London, which I’ve visited countless times, and go somewhere I’ve never been before: the Orkneys. (When all else is equal, it’s always fun to try something entirely new. I’ve been exploring Europe all my life…and there are endless amazing places yet to uncover.)
I flew into a tiny slingshot of an airport in the only sizeable Orkney town, Kirkwall, and I spent an entire day with a local guide. In this clip - just a moment of my time with Kinlay - I’m learning the story of Scapa Flow and the island’s fascinating WWII history.
(This is Day 87 of my “100 Days in Europe” series. As I travel with Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, research my guidebooks, and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences across Europe. Still to come: England, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland, and more. Follow along at www.ricksteves.com/blog.)

[@darrenharley6150]

another great video Rick. they have influenced me to travel to italy the last few years.

[@OffMyCloud]

Thanks for posting Rick. I'm just back home from being married on Orkney just last week. It's a beautiful place, and the finest in the world for ancient history in my opinion.

[@happypuppyjohn]

Please give us a bit more of Orkney Rick.

[@roberthawkins5785]

I love Rick steves..

[@terisaccone4238]

Robert Hawkins Ricky is an amazing traveler and human being. , he's a true hero of the people. .

[@yoboyalex2531]

We all do.

[@18daisydoll65]

Orkney Uncovered! I'm going to look that up, sounds like something I'd be interested in

[@Aritul]

How beautiful. Those people seem to be living in paradise.

[@nameless7290]

So beautiful. I really hope I can go to there.

[@Aritul]

Me too.

[@Nr_gaming250]

WoW Nice Place

[@guilherminhu]

is it possible to get in the water during summer?

[@jackiemuir3117]

You had the PERFECT day. Shame the video wasn't longer

[@stevenwheat3621]

1:42
Wow I thought you were going off the road!

[@duncanyoung4432]

It's bauitiful

[@SaadonAksah]

Oh its not too far from the mainland?

[@rajatlotw]

Glad you're covering less explored places

[@arjunmohan7313]

Love the vid from india

[@zippymonster73]

hey rick great video but nose hair in HD and close up ?

[@loromat100]

This island belong to Argentina?

[@user-fb3rm3ow8p]

Beat file

[@alisonaddicks1584]

If the inimitable Mr. Steves haa found Orkney, there it is spoilt for the rest of us.

[@siramea]

Kinlay's accent sounds like he is from the north of Ireland, is he?

[@bruce8443]

Sira Mea the Orkney Islands where the guide is from are located just north of Scotland, not Ireland. Of course, many Scots moved to Ireland and contributed to the accent there.

[@OrkneyUncovered]

Sira Mea Hi Sira I am Scottish but some people have said I sound Irish.

[@siramea]

Thanks for the reply, I am Irish myself so hope you were not offended.

[@OrkneyUncovered]

Sira Mea not at all us Scots love the Irish. In fact I'm off to a wedding to Donegal in September.

[@siramea]

Thanks Bruce, I am actually familiar with the islands, but not the accent. I am Irish myself though I have not visited any of the Scottish Islands yet, I would love to go. I find Scotland in general very interesting as they share some common history and Celtic culture with Ireland. In fact, Scotland is named after Irish settlers, in Latin, Scotia (land of the Gaels) from Scoti. The Scottish Gaelic language developed from Irish settlers in Scotland. This isn't intended to sound like a lecture. Just wanted to share some interesting facts.

[@Muonium1]

If you look very closely you can actually see the dollar signs rolling slot--machine like in the guides' eyes in these videos.

[@TheFionaleslie36]

As someone who knows the guide personally, I can assure you that, as he has a one man operation, with tours tailored to the interests of his clients, Kinlay already has more work than he can handle as he is a very much sought after guide. I would imagine he was hired by Rick Steves after reading the glowing reviews of his company.

[@Muonium1]

I'm referring to the fact that when any restaurant or attraction or personal tour is included in Rick's book they are assured a virtual unending stream of tourists for the indefinite future. It is so well known a phenomenon it is called "the Rick Steves effect".

[@OrkneyUncovered]

10mintwo my very good friend Fiona is correct. I am booking a year in advance due to popularity of our tours. Interestingly enough the only day I had off for July was the 16th. And I chose to do this for Rick on my day off.
Even before I knew about Rick Steves I had clients contacting me saying they had read about me in Rick Steves. So yes you are right I do hope it brings me future business as Rick was a great guy.

[@agbook2007]

Rick, I really wish you wouldn't drive and video at the same time! We want you (and your guide) in one piece!