Dragon History

Ghosts at Skaill House

Fran — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:25:15 +0000

Ghost Tours of Skaill House for Hallowe’en 2008

Back by popular demand!

Following the sell-out success at Hallowe’en 2006, Skaill House and Dragon History are delighted to announce the return of the famous Skaill House Hallowe’en Ghost Tour.

Running over three nights, the guided walks explore the famous haunted house at night by candlelight, visiting rooms rarely seen by the public and revealing spooky tales of Orkney’s past.

NEW for 2008, the tour will also include the atmospheric Long Room, scene of several recent supernatural occurrences.

Tickets by booking only - available by phoning Skaill House on 850 501. Ticket price £7.50 includes hot drink and spooky treat!

Tours available:
• Friday October 31
• Saturday November 1
• Sunday November 2

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Of seas and ships and Spanish sailors

Fran — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:03:07 +0000

Orkney sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea and is subjected to the turbulence of both! There are thought to be more than 5,000 shipwrecks in Orkney waters, victims of tide races, whirlpools, strong currents and treacherous skerries. Some of the wrecks are said to be part of the famous Spanish Armada of 1588, the remnants of which sailed across the top of Scotland after being defeated by bad weather and the navy of Elizabeth I of England. The Spanish ships left a legacy of flotsam (there are some very fancy bits of furniture about the islands!), knitting patterns (the famous Shetland/Fairisle designs, allegedly), and the Spaniards themselves, who stayed in Orkney, married local lassies, and whose descendants still live in Orkney today, many of them on the island of Westray (known as ‘the Dons’).

Great anorak fact

Fran — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:29:32 +0000

The shortest ‘A’ road in Britain is in Orkney. It is the A963 and is better known as Castle Street in Kirkwall. Yet another reason to visit!

Norwegian party

Fran — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:18:27 +0000

Saturday, May 17, is Norwegian Constitution Day! As Orkney used to be in Norway, we celebrate the occasion here with a parade known as a tog, concerts, speeches and dinners. Lots of Norwegian folk come dressed in national costume. Skal!

Literal Vikings!

Fran — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 15:17:19 +0000

The Vikings in Orkney gave really obvious names to things! Hoy = High Island, Flotta = Flat Island, Sanday = Sandy Island.

Say what you see, folks!

Get a guide!

Fran — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:56:45 +0000

Orkney is a wonderful place. It is rich in history, folklore, wildlife and culture, and has a quality of life that is unsurpassed in Britain today.

To get the most out of your visit, why not hire an experienced, knowledgeable friendly local guide?

At Dragon History we aim to share with you the best that Orkney has to offer. History is our passion, and we believe history should be dynamic, fun, emotional and involving!

Walking tours of Stromness

For our walks through Stromness, we have researched dozens of stories from Orkney archives, folk-tales, newspapers, letters and personal accounts.

Guided tours of Orkney

On our extended guided tours of the islands you can be sure that your guide is friendly, qualified and enthusiastic about all aspects of Orkney and Orcadian history.

Book a tour today!

Mail to:

Dragon History
58 Dundas Street
Stromness
Orkney
KW16 3DA

Telephone: 01856 851 915
Mobile: 07815 053 894
Email: fran@dragon-history.co.uk