Kirkwall West and Orphir

The Kirkwall West and Orphir ward lies on the western edge of Kirkwall and stretches out into the rural parish of Orphir on the Mainland of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It’s a mix of suburban neighbourhoods and services that spill from the town together with working crofts, farmland and a rugged, wind‑swept coastline; locals tend to combine commuting into Kirkwall with employment in agriculture, fishing, small enterprises and visitor‑focused businesses drawn by coastal walking and wildlife.

Historically and culturally the area wears its Norse past openly - Orphir hosts the remains of the Earl’s Bu, linked to the earls of Orkney, and the landscape is scattered with archaeological reminders of Viking and medieval settlement. Community life is characteristically close‑knit, with active halls, local events and strong maritime traditions, while easy access to Kirkwall brings the shops, services and landmarks such as St Magnus Cathedral within reach.