Wednesday 13th May 2026
Guide in the Hide: Cottascarth and Sky Dancing Hen Harriers
đź•’ 10:00 to 13:00
đź“Ś RSPB Cottasgarth (open map)
đź’° Free
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
Hen Harriers nest on the hill above the Cottascarth Hide. Their mating ritual, called “skydancing” is a magnificent diving and swooping, which can often be seen from the hide in May. In most places, it’s just the males that perform this dance, but in Orkney, females may also be seen dancing. For this event, our expert guide will be in the hide to tell you about these birds, along with any others that make an appearance.
Unnatural Arrivals – The Stoat Crisis in Orkney
đź•’ 10:30 to 17:00
đź“Ś Orkney Museum (open map)
đź’° Free (donations welcome)
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
This exhibition brings together artists responding to a dramatic ecological change in Orkney. Since 2010, stoats (Mustela erminea)—a species not native to the islands—have spread rapidly, threatening ground-nesting birds, hen harriers, short-eared owls, and the unique Orkney vole.
Through painting, sculpture, photography, and more, the works explore the impact of this invasion on the islands’ fragile ecosystem, as well as the wider questions it raises about conservation, intervention, and coexistence. Drawing on local knowledge and scientific research, and informed by efforts such as the Orkney Native Wildlife Project, the exhibition offers a powerful reflection on nature, balance, and change.
Collage Orkney animals
đź•’ 11:00 to 13:00
đź“Ś For Art’s Sake, Kirkwall (open map)
đź’° ÂŁ10
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
All materials and a cuppa included.
Spring Wildflowers in Stromness
đź•’ 13:30 to 15:30
đź“Ś Stromness (open map)
đź’° Free
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
An urban safari with local plant expert, John Crossley, putting names to the wildflowers of walls, closes and wild spaces.
Meet at John Rae statue. Bring identifications guides if you have them. Hand lenses provided.
The discovery of a potential flapper skate nursery in Scapa Flow
đź•’ 19:00
📌 Live Online Talk
đź’° ÂŁ2
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
In May 2025 during a seabed survey in Scapa Flow, a survey team from Tritonia Scientific contracted by Orkney Harbours made an exciting and unexpected discovery of an area of seabed with flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) egg cases. This talk will explain how the discovery was made, what it means for this Critically Endangered species, the protection measures that have been put in place and what further surveys are planned. Â
A link to the talk will be sent after booking.
Brilliant BeastiesÂ
đź•’ 19:00
📌 Live Online Talk
đź’° Free (booking required)
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
Discover how the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are standing up for the little guys and protecting some of Scotland’s most vulnerable invertebrates through our vital conservation work. Whether you’re an insect enthusiast or just curious about Scotland’s wonderful wee beasties, come along for an evening of insight, inspiration, and a newfound love for the smaller things in life.
A link to the talk will be sent after booking.
Hoy Sunset Wildlife Cruise
đź•’ 19:00 to 21:00
đź“Ś Stromness Pier (open map)
đź’° ÂŁ75
🔢 All ages (under 16s must be accompanied)
Set sail from Stromness on a captivating 2-hour evening wildlife tour along the dramatic coastline of Hoy. As the golden light of dusk settles over the cliffs, we journey towards the towering sea cliffs of St John’s Head, home to thriving seabird colonies. Keep watch for guillemots, fulmars, kittiwakes, and puffins as they wheel and call above the crashing waves below.
Continuing south, we approach the iconic Old Man of Hoy, a striking sea stack rising from the Atlantic, where the changing evening light creates a truly unforgettable view. With calm seas and the chance of spotting seals, porpoises, or even a dolphin, this relaxing evening cruise offers a perfect blend of scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere in one of Orkney’s most breathtaking settings.
In the event of adverse weather conditions the tour route may be changed to allow it to go ahead. This will be at the discretion of the skipper.
