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The Orkney island group is often skipped out of a trip
through Scotland, but in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful area's
of the whole country, and I definitely want to visit it back.
On the outskirts of the capital Kirkwall on the Main Island (note how
they call the biggest island of the group the mail island, they do not
really consider them self part of Scotland, but more of Scandinavian descent)
we can find the Highland Park distillery. Something you will notice right
away is the large amount of warehouses on site. I reck0on that's due to
the remoteness, and it is probably easiest and cheapest to mature all
spirit on site.
The tour is of a good and decent quality. Like the whole mood on the islands
here the people are really friendly, and take all the time to answer your
questions. Also the distillery itself is build in a beautiful style, and
all breathe a really rustic feel.
 Highland
Park is also one of the few distilleries left where you can see a working
malting floor. If you want to visit the distillery while the malting takes
place it might be worth to contact the distillery on which days the malting
takes place (if your visit does not actually take place during their silent
season...). Too bad photography is not allowed during the tour, so you
only have your memories left on completion of the tour.
If that is not enough, you could of course browse the shop which is stocked
with good quality clothing such as fleece sweaters and hats and of course
the golden nectar itself.
The islands have a lot to offer to tourists. From the Highland Park distillery
its a small walk to Scapa beach where you could look around the Scapa
distillery. No tours offered at this moment, but the site also has a lot
of history attached so it is indispensable. In the town Stromness on the
Main Island you can find a interesting display containing items from the
Old Orkney distillery which was situated close to the distillery. And
those into archeology will find a paradise, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar,
Maeshowe are just some of the prehistoric monuments you can find here.
And then there is the wild life, seals, dolphins, wales and a rich bird
life with the wonderful puffin.
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