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Skaill House

It is the most intact 17th century mansion in Orkney. Today the house is open to the public from April to October and features self-catering apartments, falconry, sunken gardens and a seafood shack.

History

Covering thousands of years of history, Skaill House is renowned for its contribution to Orkney’s diverse and exciting past.

The house was originally built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham (Bishop of Orkney 1615-1638) and has been added to by successive generations over the centuries. Skaill comes from the Norse word for Hall and indicates that there would have been a feasting hall here in the Bay of Skaill during the Viking period. Skaill House has played host to many important guests over the years from Jane Franklin, the wife of Sir John Franklin and the late King Olav the 5th of Norway to the Queen Mother and Sheamus Heaney.

Architecture

Skaill House is a Grade A listed property which dates from 1620.

It is the most intact 17th century mansion in Orkney and has been a private home for almost four centuries. Today the house is open to the public from April to October and features self-catering apartments, falconry, sunken gardens and a seafood shack. Today, the house is under the stewardship of Katie Waugh, daughter of Major Malcolm Macrae.

Current Situation

Privately owned and open to the public April to October