Orkney Distilling’sArkh-Angell ‘Storm Strength’ gin has won a prestigious UK Gold Medal at this year’s World Gin Awards, held in London. The 57-per-cent spirit took home the prize in the Navy Gin category of the event, judged by a panel of leading…
Zoe Davidson Jewellery set to launch Spring Tides collection
Young Orkney jewellery designer, Zoe Davidson, is set to launch a striking new collection inspired by the sea-carved shoreline formations of her island homeland. The Spring Tides range, handcrafted in silver, combines Zoe’s signature fold-formed metalwork with contrasting gemstones, accents of…
Prize haul for Orkney Brewery at SIBA awards
The Orkney Brewery has taken home no less than six prizes, including three golds, from the prestigious Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Scotland Independent Beer Awards, held in Glasgow last night (6 November). The brewery’s speciality Dark Island Reserve was voted…
2018 Orkney Food and Drink Awards winners announced
Orkney’s finest food and drink businesses were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held in Kirkwall last night (Saturday, 13 October). Thirty-one local businesses were shortlisted for 12 different accolades in the 2018 Orkney Food and Drink Awards, covering everything…
Silver lining for Orkney Distilling’s Arkh-Angell Storm Strength gin
Orkney Distilling’s Arkh-Angell ‘Storm Strength’ gin has won a prestigious Silver Medal at this year’s Scottish Gin Awards in Glasgow. The 57-per-cent gin took home the prize in the Navy Strength Gin of the Year category of the top industry…
Young Orkney jewellery designer recreates rare Pictish necklace
A young Orkney jewellery designer has re-created a rare, 1,400-year-old Pictish necklace, the original of which is kept within the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Zoe Davidson crafted her 1kg solid silver version of the famous Whitecleugh Chain, discovered in Lanarkshire…
New Dundee hotel is blanket fan of Orkney designer
Orkney knitwear designer Hilary Grant has provided bespoke blankets for rooms in a new high-end hotel that’s just opened in Dundee. The commission, for the 102 room, multi-million-pound Hotel Indigo®- operated by IHG and located in a former mill building in…
Orkney Distilling’s new distillery and visitor centre opens in Kirkwall
Orkney Distilling’s new artisan distillery and visitor centre officially opens in Kirkwall this week, creating a major new tourist attraction for the islands. Two years in the planning, the new facility - which has created six local jobs - represents…
Orkney Distilling finalists in Scottish Gin Awards
Orkney Distilling Limited has made the finals in two categories of this year’s Scottish Gin Awards, it was announced this week. The news comes as the company prepares to open its new distillery and visitor centre in Kirkwall. Orkney Distilling’s Storm…
Orkney food and drink firms fly flag for islands at Royal Highland Show
Nine Orkney food and drink businesses will be flying the flag for the islands at this week’s Royal Highland Show, which celebrates the best of Scottish farming, food and rural life. The local firms will exhibit their produce on special…
Orkney Brewery wins double gold at national beer awards
The Orkney Brewery has done the double at a major national beer competition, becoming the only Scottish brewer to take top honours in two different event categories. The brewery’s speciality Dark Island Reserve and its Dragonhead stout both won gold…
Caledonian’s Craig Steven joins Sinclair Breweries as commercial manager
Craig Steven, former beers manager for Edinburgh’s Caledonian Brewery, has joined Sinclair Breweries Ltd as commercial manager, it was announced this week. The move comes as Sinclair Breweries – operator of the Orkney Brewery and custodian of the Atlas beers…
Orkney businesses make finals of tourism awards
THREE Orkney businesses have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA), it was announced today (Friday, 29 September). The Ferry Inn, Scapa Scuba, and The Orkney Brewery and Visitor Centre are amongst 55 contenders…
UK and USA jewellery community comes together for refugees
Orkney jewellery designer Alison Moore is one of more than 100 jewellers from the UK and USA to donate work to a special Facebook auction in aid of refugees around the world. The Auction for Aid gets underway on Monday,…
Double success for Orkney Brewery in World Beer Awards
The Orkney Brewery is celebrating double success in a major international beer competition, with two of its ales taking top honours. Dark Island Reserve, Orkney Brewery’s speciality 10% ale, secured the UK Country Winner accolade, in the Dark Beer (Strong)…
Island Smokery’s Orkney Butter reaches new heights in Dubai
Butter from Orkney has reached dizzying new heights, being served up in the world’s tallest restaurant, within the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The hand-wrapped artisanal butter, produced by The Island Smokery, was chosen by top chef Christopher Graham for use…
Ortak returns home to former Kirkwall premises
Revitalised Orkney jewellery brand, Ortak, is relocating back home to its former premises in Kirkwall, it was announced this week. Ortak’s move, from its current workshop in the town’s Great Western Road to the much larger building on the edge…
Iconic Orcadian jewellery brand Ortak celebrates half century
Iconic Orcadian jewellery brand Ortak is marking its 50th anniversary by releasing five special commemorative pieces – one for each decade – throughout 2017. Choosing the designs to mark this milestone in the brand’s history has been a company wide…
New Orkney business serves up freshly roasted speciality coffee
A new Orkney based business is sourcing and roasting high quality coffee beans from around the world, in the first commercial venture of its kind in the islands. The Orkney Roastery - set up by Sara Tait and Euan Smith…
Orkney Brewery’s popular puffin gets bottled
The popularity of Orkney Brewery’s cask Puffin Ale has prompted the firm to launch a bottled version of the 4.5 per cent brew. Officially released this week, the new 500ml bottles of Puffin Ale are expected to fly off the…
London showcase for Orkney marine energy businesses
Nine Orkney based marine energy businesses are set to take part in a major industry event being held in London this week. Organised by Renewable UK, the Wave and Tidal 2017 conference and exhibition is aimed at demonstrating the value…
New employment and recruitment consultancy launches in Orkney
A new Orkney based recruitment consultancy, offering a range of services to employers and job seekers in the islands, is officially launched this week. The Orkney Employment Consultancy has been set up by local employment specialist, Claire Sim. “Over the…
Powerwall trial for low-carbon Orkney housing development
An innovative domestic battery system, which uses renewable energy to supply low-cost electricity to properties, is being trialled within a new Orkney housing development. The Tesla Powerwall batteries are being installed in 30 affordable homes being constructed by Orkney Builders…
BBC Good Food Show set to experience a taste of Orkney
This weekend’s star-studded BBC Good Food Show in Glasgow is set to experience a taste of Orkney, with local gin, cheese and bakery goods all on the menu. Three islands food and drink businesses will showcase products at the event,…
Orkney’s Churchill Barriers inspire unique new collection by islands jeweller
Orkney’s iconic Churchill Barriers have inspired a unique new collection by young islands jewellery designer, Zoe Davidson. The barriers, created during WWII to protect Royal Navy ships anchored in Scapa Flow, now act as causeways linking the Orkney mainland with…
Winners of Orkney Food and Drink Awards 2016 announced
Orkney’s finest food and drink businesses were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held in Stromness last night (Saturday, 15 October). Thirty-six local food and drink business were shortlisted for 16 different awards, covering everything from the best breakfasts, lunches…
Orkney jeweller backs women’s rugby squad
A desire to support strong women and champion female participation in sport has led Orkney based jewellery designer Alison Moore to sign a sponsorship deal with the islands’ ladies rugby team. The jeweller is providing brand new team shirts for…
Island Smokery secures major US order ahead of expansion
Orkney based speciality cheese producer, The Island Smokery, has just secured its first ever order for the United States. The Stromness firm, which is set to move into bigger premises in the town later this year, is supplying 600kg of…
Jewellery community comes together for refugees
Orkney jewellery designer Alison Moore is one of more than 60 jewellers from throughout the UK to donate work to a Facebook auction in aid of refugees in Europe and the Middle East. The Auction for Aid gets underway today…
Shortlist for 2016 Orkney Food and Drink Awards revealed
The shortlist for this year’s Orkney Food and Drink Awards has been revealed, following a public vote that attracted 4,000 nominations. Thirty-six local food and drink business are in the running for 16 different awards, covering everything from the best…
