In the evening the household gathered round the long fire - the women had their spinning, stories were told, men carved wood - children played on the floor, there was seldom other light used than that from the fire.
The Stromness Hotel is one of the centrepieces of Stromness - a large Victorian building opposite the Pier Head, the busy hub of the town - and it is one of the first buildings you see when arriving in Orkney on the ferry. It is appropriate that we offer Orkney Peatfire Tales in this historic building, which was built in 1901. One of the best things about the location is that as Stromness Hotel is a licensed pub, so you can enjoy a drink whilst enjoying an evening of Orkney folklore and stories!
The Island Tales and Ales evenings take place on Sunday and Wednesday Evenings from May to September in the Stromness Hotel's Still Room Whisky Bar.
To find the Stromness Hotel, drive south along Ferry Road until you come to the Pier Head, which is marked by a disused fountain. The Stromness Hotel is the biggest building here, facing the water.
There are two entrances to the Stromness Hotel, the main entrance at the centre of the building and the Flattie bar on the right hand side. Enter through the main entrance and go up two flights of stairs. When you reach the first floor, turn left and you will find the Still Room Whisky Bar. If you turn right, there is a bar where alcoholic and soft drinks can be bought! However, the ticket price of £10 includes one drink (Orkney Whisky, an Orkney Ale or a glass of house wine).
Orkney Tales and Ales Evenings begin at 8pm and to avoid disappointment, please book ahead. To do so, please either contact us or book at the reception of the Stromness Hotel (tel: 01856 850298)
