Kirkwall
Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, in the east of the Orkney Mainland. For centuries it played an important role in Shetland, Orkney's ecclesiastical dominance of Shetland is represented by St Magnus' Cathedral, and the political by the palace of the Earls of Orkney is also here. It is built on an isthmus, between two excellent natural harbours meaning that it can control the sea both to the north and south of the Orkney Mainland.
The current population is similar to that of Lerwick. It has an impressive old centre. Oil, fisheries and agricultural produce are amongst the city’s main industries. It was formerly a major British naval concern. The population is less diverse than that of Aberdeen or Bergen, but includes Scots, English and Chinese. It also lacks the investment that Tórshavn has received or the modernity. However, it is perhaps more Scotticised than Lerwick is.
Despite the modern spelling, Kirkwall is properly pronounced Kirkwaa, and comes from the Norse Kirkjuvaugr.
