Drink

Highland Park whisky has been distilled in Orkney since 1798 and people have been sinking its praises ever since. In 1883 the King of Denmark and Emperor of Russia said it was the best whisky they'd ever tasted and American spirits authority F. Paul Pacult selected it as the best spirit in the world in 2005. Not content with this award winning distillery, Orkney whisky is also produced at the Scapa distillery, just a few miles away.

Orkney wine isn't quite so infamous, though there is a story of my uncle walking home, clear-headed after sampling his friend's carrot wine but unable to stop walking with one foot in the ditch. If you want to try the homebrew or wine for yourself, the recipes are in Recipes from the Orkney Islands. If you prefer to leave the wine-making in the hands of the expert, try a few bottles of Orkney Wine.