Kirkwall (Orkney Islands - Stage 6)

With a population of just 9,000 inhabitants, it's hard to believe that Kirkwall is the largest city and the capital of the Orkney Islands! Its name comes from medieval Norwegian meaning "Church of the Bay", which refers to the Cathedral of St Magnus, one of the city's most popular attractions. Historically, the first written references to the city appear in the medieval Orkney Saga, dating back to the eleventh century. As well as the cathedral, other historical attractions include the Bishop's House, the ruins of the palace, the Highland Park distillery, the harbor and the beach at Scapa. And you'll find plenty of fishing and sports around the harbor, too.