Kirkwall

Kirkwall, town, capital of the Orkney Islands. Kirkwall is the main town of the Orkney Islands and one of the earliest established Norse trading towns. It overlooks a wide bay of the Stronsay Firth and is a port and ferry terminal (with services to other Orkney and Shetland Islands). It is the seat of the Orkney Islands' council. Whisky distilling is an important industry in Kirkwall, and there are also many cottage industries processing local dairy products. North Sea oil has brought prosperity to the town, for which it is a service base. Kirkwall is built in Norwegian style and is dominated by the Cathedral of St Magnus (1137), in which St. Magnus is buried. Other notable buildings are the ruined 12th-century Bishop's Palace and 17th-century Earl's Palace and the Library, founded in 1683 and the oldest public library in Scotland. The Orkney Islands are acknowledged to be among the richest archaeological areas in Britain, having been inhabited since prehistoric times. Kirkwall hosts the annual St Magnus Festival of drama, music, and art every June. Population (1990 estimate) 6,681.