FAQs
Doesn't it rain all the time on Orkney?
Actually, no! So far north, there is of course the possibility of bad weather, but the majority of trips I've made to Orkney (both business and personal) have taken place in beautiful sunshine.
Are there midges on Orkney?
I have seen one or two in the warmest summers, but luckily Orkney does not suffer from midge clouds in the same way as the west coast. Orkney is so flat, coastal and has so few trees, that they do not flourish there.
Which route to Orkney will the trip take?
It depends on the time of year and participant preferences. Usually we would aim to travel on the Aberdeen-Kirkwall ferry, as although it is a longer crossing it reduces travelling time in the car. However, during winter these ferries run very infrequently and it may be necessary to catch the Scrabster-Stromness ferry. Additionally, when taking the Scrabster-Stromness route we have been known to make short detours on the way up or back at the request of students who wish to see certain landmarks along the way, like Loch Ness. Time allowing, I am more than happy to try and incorporate such additional elements.
What sort of transport do you use?
For smaller groups, 8 or less, we travel in my Landrover Defender. Groups of 9+ travel in a hired minibus.
How many people will be on the tour?
Between 4 and 14 – most tours have around 8 or 9 participants. The small group sizes allow more flexibility in terms of itinerary and tend to result in a really good group dynamic.
Do I need any pre-existing archaeological knowledge to enjoy the trip?
Absolutely not. Very few previous participants have been archaeologists and they come from a range of backgrounds. All the sites are impressive in their own right, although each has very thorough information boards, and I am happy to provide as much or as little background archaeological information as you would like.
Do I have to share a room?
Not necessarily. The majority of the hostel rooms sleep 4, 5 or 6 people. However, they do also have double rooms which, for a small supplement, can be booked for couples or those who require a little more privacy.
What should I bring?
This will vary depending on the person and the time of year, but some basics that are worth considering are: photographic ID (compulsory for the ferry), student ID if you have one, waterproofs, stout footwear, warm weather clothes, sunglasses, suncream, waterbottle, small daysack, camera.
Can non-students come on the trip?
Yes. Although originally designed for University of Edinburgh students, the trip proved popular with friends and partners and is now open to anyone at all.
Do I have to join the group in Edinburgh?
No. If you want to join a tour and are coming from somewhere else that is fine; please contact me and I can let you know the revised tour price.
There are lots of tours of Orkney – why should I choose Ancient Alba?
Most tours offered are either at the bottom or top end of the markets. The bottom end might be cheap, but they pack you into a minibus and whizz you round so many sites so quickly that you barely have time to look around before herded back into the minibus to get to the next place. The top end are often great tours, providing excellent professional guides with top quality accommodation and travel. But it is expensive. Ancient Alba hopes to provide you with the best of both worlds – if you want a small and friendly company, with the services of a professional archaeologist for a guide and basic but decent accommodation delivered on a budget, then we're for you!
What is there to do in the evenings?
Although relatively small, Kirkwall has a number of cosy pubs – several of which offer live music in the evenings. The hostel is also almost opposite the Pickaquoy Centre, which has a cinema and room to put on plays and concerts occasionally. For evening meals, there is a large Tesco, Co-op and Lidl close to the hostel and the kitchen is very well-equipped to cook for yourself. Many groups choose to go out to dinner, and there are a number of good Scottish, Chinese and Indian restaurants within walking distance.