SAGA Ruby visiting Kirkwall in 2009

In modern times the safe harbours offered by Orkney were the last stopping point for ships heading out across the Atlantic to the New World and beyond.

Today this tradition continues with cruise liners frequently stopping in the waters just off Kirkwall and Stromness.

Orkney is now Scotland’s favourite cruise destination and third most popular in the United Kingdom.

According to a survey conducted in 2008 cruise ships boost Orkney’s economy by more than £2.8 million a year.

These ships deliver more than 30,000 passengers and 10,000 crew in to the local shops, restaurants and historic sites.

This accounts for around 25% of Orkney’s total annual visitors.

The average spend per passenger on shore was £49,  with 94% of total passenger numbers coming ashore either to tour or shop.

Popular destination

Around 70 ships visit the islands every year.

The survey was commissioned by the Orkney Islands Council’s Director of Harbours, following a generic report by the same agency on European Cruise Ship ports and their economic comparative data.

Already scheduled for arrival in Orkney during 2010 are some well known cruise liners including:-

• Statsraad Lehmkuhl – a three-masted barque rigged sail training vessel owned and operated by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation.
• Ocean Countess – Operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages
• Oriana – Operated by P&O Cruises
• SAGA Ruby – Operated by SAGA holidays
• ms Eurodam – Operated by Holland America Line

Tall ships

Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Kirkwall

Orkney is one of 12 harbours around Scotland to be selected as a guest harbour to play host to Tall Ships during The Tall Ships Races in July 2011.

Both Greenock and Lerwick are official host ports within the race series, and plans are taking shape to encourage Tall Ships to visit to Scottish Guest Harbours during the cruise in company leg between Greenock and Lerwick from July 12-21.

Shetland is taking the lead to develop the nine day sail between these ports, a non-competitive leg of the Races series.

For further information about The Tall Ships Races-Lerwick, please visit www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com

Further information

Cruise Scotland website – Breathtaking scenery, stunning cities, haunting history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a variety of ports large and small make Scotland the perfect cruise destination.

Orkney Marine Services – Marine Services provides all pilot launch and pilotage services directly as well as Vessel Traffic Services for Scapa Flow and approaches and the Kirkwall Harbour area.Similar Posts:

• Stromness ‘Liberty’ Cannon
• The Churchill Barriers
• Getting to Orkney
• Login’s Well – Stromness, Orkney
• Orkney Ba’ Game

Athletics

Badminton

Orkney Badminton Association – The badminton season runs from September to April each year.

Climbing

Darts

Kirkwall & District Darts League. KDDL was formed in 1967. The darts season runs from September until April, with A league matches generally taking place on Monday nights and B league games played on Tuesday nights.

Diving

Orkney Sub Aqua Club – Based in Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall. The club facilities comprise of large garage for a 5.8m RIB max. 8 divers, lecture room, kitchen, shower room, toilet and spa facilities with a jacuzzi and sauna

Fishing

Orkney Trout Fishing Association – The OTFA is a non-profit making voluntary body dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of game fishing throughout the Orkney Islands.

Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association – Cod, pollack, whiting, haddock, ling, mackerel, plaice and flounders can all be caught in the sea surround Orkney.

Football

Holm Football Club – The history of football in Holm dates back to World War 1 when soldiers based at the Holm Breckan Battery formed a team.

Stromness Athletic Football Club – The club has been around for over 100 years

Golf

Orkney Golf Club – Grainbank, Kirkwall, Orkney W15 1RD. Telephone 01856 872457
E Mail – orkneygolfclub@yahoo.com

Stromness Golf Club -Stromness Golf Club, Ness Road, Stromness. Orkney KW16 3DL  Telephone : 01856 850772

Karate

Orkney Karate -

Kayak and canoe

Orkney Sea Kayaking Association – Although many members have their own kayaks, OSKA has some kayaks and equipment for general use by members. OSKA is affiliated to the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA).

Motorcross

Orkney Motorcross Club

Motor Club

Orkney Motor Club – The Orkney Motor Club, founded in 1986 is the most northerly RAC Motor Club in the UK.

Ramblers

Orkney Ramblers Club – Formed in 1992 to promote walking within Orkney. Walks take place every second Sunday, averaging 5 to 10 Miles and include Coastal strolls, hill-walking, and hiking over heather and peat track

Rugby

Orkney Rugby Football Club - The Present club was founded as the result of an advert placed in the “Orcadian”  on Thursday 8th September 1966. Pickaquoy, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1RR  Telephone: 01856 872163

Sailing

Orkney Sailing Club – The Club is conveniently located on the harbour front in a listed building known as “The Girnel” in Harbour Street.  Address: Orkney Sailing Club, The Girnel, Harbour Street, Kirkwal,l Orkney, KW15 1LE Telephone : 07933 445 620

Stromness Sailing Club – based at the Ness Point end of Stromness harbour, close to Stromness Golf Club.

Holm Sailing Club – based in the village of St. Mary’s.

Westray Sailing Club – Sailing nights are Tuesday and Thursday, meeting at the harbour at 6:30pm with sailing starting at 7:00pm prompt.

Orkney Yole Association – The association has 60+ members comprising a small nucleus of owners and active sailors and supporters who want to preserve this once vital part of the economic and social life of the islands.

Triathlon

Orkney Triathlon Club - Orkney is home to the most northerly triathlon in the UK.

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Pastime and hobby associations

Orkney Field Club - The Field Club was founded in 1959 to encourage the study and conservation of the natural heritage of Orkney. It is a recognised charity, No. SC 012459, and all members are volunteers. Address : Orkney Field Club, C/O Kirkwall Library, 44 Junction Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1AG

East Mainland Gardeners – The club was formed in 2003 “to promote the interest of gardening among individuals resident in Orkney” and we have 70 members.

Orkney Amateur Radio Club – Radio telecommunications has always had an important role to play in this remote group of islands. As a consequence, there have been radio amateurs here since the early days of the hobby.

Orkney Vintage Club –  The Club was formed in 1982 and caters for all types of enthusiast – those owning or interested in cars, tractors, stationary engines, motor cycles, farm implements and machinery, household items etc – in fact the list is endless.

If you have a sports club in the Orkney Isles and would like to feature on this page, then just let us know via the “contact us” page.
Similar Posts:

• What’s on 2010
• Orkney Flower Festival 2009
• Login’s Well – Stromness, Orkney
• Orkney Ba’ Game
• Stromness ‘Liberty’ Cannon