Kirkwall Archive

Earl’s Palace – a Beautiful Lesson in Decadence

The former splendour is still easy to picture: Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall on Orkney is a thing of beauty, and at the same time a cautionary tale about the abuse of power, decadence and decline. The story behind today’s ruin is bound up with Patrick Stewart, a greedy and cruel ruler of the island who […]

Bishop’s Palace – the Moosie Toor Still Stands

An impressive round tower stands in the centre of Kirkwall on Orkney. It’s the Moosie Toor, part of the old Bishop’s Palace. The palace’s history stretches back to the days when the Norwegians still ruled over Scotland’s western isles. At first glance, the Bishop’s Palace is less impressive than Earl’s Palace right next door. Only […]