Kirkwall
Kirkwall
| |
|---|---|
Kirkwall Harbour in August 2014 | |
Location within Orkney | |
| Area | 4.00 km2 (1.54 sq mi) |
| Population | 10,020 (2022) |
| • Density | 2,505/km2 (6,490/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Kirkwallian |
| OS grid reference | HY449109 |
| • Edinburgh | 210 mi (340 km) |
| • London | 528 mi (850 km) |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | KIRKWALL |
| Postcode district | KW15 |
| Dialling code | 01856 |
| Police | Scotland |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
Kirkwall (Scots: Kirkwa, Kirkwaa, or Kirkwal; Norn: Kirkavå) is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. First mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga, it is today the location of the headquarters of the Orkney Islands Council and a transport hub with ferries to many locations. It is the centre of the St Magnus International Festival and is also a popular stopping off point for cruise ships. St Magnus Cathedral stands at the heart of the town.