Get to know Orkney after seeing The Outrun

Sarah Henderson ·september 27, 2024Leestijd: 7 minuten

This autumn sees the release of The Outrun, an independent film starring Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu and Saskia Reeves, in cinemas from 27 September. The Outrun film is based on the bestselling memoirs by Amy Liptrot, who unravels issues with addiction and discovers her strength through recovery. Orkney plays a vital part in the film, capturing the raw beauty and spirituality of the islands. If you’ve been captivated by the stunning cinematography, plan your own escape to Orkney and delve into the culture, heritage, wildlife and landscapes of the island. Your Orkney adventure awaits.

Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun
© StudioCanal

Be transformed by Orkney’s wildlife and landscapes

Orkney is formed of a collection of islands clustered together off the north of Scotland. They’ve been shaped by millennia of crashing waves and fierce winds, producing dramatic landscapes of rocky outcrops, sandstone cliffs and hills dotted with unique flora and fauna. Rona - Saoirse Ronan’s character in the film - really connects with the elemental wildness and beauty of Orkney’s wildlife and landscape, taking a job with the RSPB as well as drawing inspiration from the seaweed on her local beach to reignite her passion for marine biology.

Puffin on the Brough of Birsay, Orkney
© Orkney.com

Bird-watching and wildlife-spotting is a great way to take stock and reconnect with nature and there’s nowhere better than Orkney to give it a go, whether you’re a beginner or a dedicated enthusiast. Watching the hills and cliffs against the backdrop of the churning sea makes it an affirming and rewarding experience. You may even spot a pod of orca or minke whales passing by. There are plenty of nature reserves and habitats on the islands to discover. Explore some epic bird-watching sites to spot seabirds nesting, such as the cliffs of Marwick Head or Noup Head, where you can see gannets making spectacular dives, alongside razorbills, fulmars, shags and kittiwakes. If you’re looking for a memorable sight, venture to Hoy for the chance to see white-tailed eagles, as well as to watch out for rare migrant birds that often get blown in as they flap their way around the world.

You can also see puffins in Orkney from the end of April in nooks and crannies across the islands, or coming and going off the cliffs as they bring sand eels to their young pufflings. Autumn is one of the best times to visit to see wildlife on Orkney, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of grey seal colonies, where they huddle on secluded beaches and protected shores to raise their newborn seal pups through to mid-December. Take care when visiting these beaches and keep your distance so as not to disturb mothers and their suckling pups.

Orkney Nature Reserves to visit

Grabbing the chance to slow down and take in your surroundings might also let you uncover a true hidden gem; the small, purple Scottish primrose (Primula Scotica) that can be found in May and July growing in Yesnaby, Rousay and Papa Westray. If you visit in spring, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of bright wildflowers dotted along clifftops and fields. In the autumn months as the colours change, keep an eye out for mountain hares hiding in the heather on Hoy, when their brown coats turn white for winter.

Flora and fauna to see in Orkney

Soak up the experience, whatever the weather

Experience Orkney’s natural elements firsthand, from the mystical morning haar and awe-inspiring sunsets to watching the stars against the dark night skies. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the 'Merry Dancers' (the Northern Lights).

Part of Orkney’s pull is how close it gets to the elements. The Outrun really showcases the mercurial weather, offering the chance to watch changing landscapes, colours and vistas as it shifts. For those who don’t want to brave the elements, the billowing winds and drizzle provide the chance to cosy up inside, watching a storm pass whilst you listen to the crackling fire, feel the heat of a wood-burning stove, and perhaps a savour a dram or two. Whatever the weather, you’ll find the freshness of the island rejuvenating. Orkney sunsets can be just as enthralling, especially in the winter when the sun is low on the horizon. Its lighter summer evenings that stretch into the small hours let you explore the island way past dinner time, whilst its dark winter nights and unpolluted skies allow for incredible stargazing opportunities.

One of the most memorable moments in The Outrun is when Rona chooses to head out to the beach and take part in some wild-swimming, feeling the revitalising effects of the cold waters and serene surroundings. One of the picturesque spots where Rona joins in with a wild-swimming group is in Inganess Beach near Kirkwall. The bay is always shifting in colour depending on the weather, but the wreck of a World War II vessel jutting above the waves remains a constant and makes the beach a popular wild-swimming spot to try.

Find out more about swimming in Orkney

Delve into Orcadian myths, legends, stories and culture

Slow down and take some time for yourself with a restorative break or try voluntourism for the chance for some self-discovery and fulfilment.

These stimulating and wild landscapes provide the backdrop to a rich heritage of stories, myths and legends handed down, mouth to mouth, through the generations. The Outrun film incorporates many of these threads into its narrative, from a visit to ancient standing stones and weaving in Orcadian tales about selkies to Orkney history and the origins of the islands.

Orkney’s links to the past are so strongly tied to the environment that you can still see evidence of Neolithic times today at sites including Skara Brae, Maeshowe, The Stones of Stenness and The Ring of Brodgar which together make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting these sites during an Orkney sunset is a magical experience and HES run evening tours throughout the summer. Watch the standing stones illuminate by golden light in the same way a prehistoric culture might have done some 5,000 years ago – Maeshowe and Broch of Gurness both interact with the solstice sunsets, echoing back to Orkney's neolithic ancestors and their worship of the celestial bodies.

Plan a trip to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Or, if you’ve been intrigued by stories of selkies in the film, why not delve into Orcadian culture with a visit to the Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Centre? They run a brilliant programme of events including gathering for tales around the fire, listening to folk music or learning how to be a weaver of tales yourself.

Visit the Orkney Folklore & Storytelling Centre

Community is at the core of Orkney’s island life. In The Outrun, the friendliness and kindness of locals is evident, as well as the value of gatherings for ceilidhs, fire festivals and events that really bring the community together. Getting involved in the local way of life is a great way to connect with Orkney, to dig deeper into the lively culture and experience island living.

See what events are taking place in Orkney

Tune into Radio Orkney on BBC sounds to hear what’s on

Orkney is a transformative place and, whether you’re travelling solo or soaking up the experience with a group, there are plenty of chances for self-discovery or giving something back on your travels. Locals all pitch in together in Orkney, so they’re very welcoming of those willing to roll up their sleeves and get to know the islands through voluntourism experiences. You could combine your trip with a chance to join an archeological dig to discover more about the geology and history of Orkney or, like Rona in the film, you might be more interested in volunteering to help with the wildlife and nature of the island.

One of the most unique volunteering jobs comes round once a year at North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival, where volunteers restore portions of the traditional drystone sheep dyke wall to protect the iconic breed. There’s no better feeling than giving something back and doing something that’s good for the soul – plus you’ll get to know the locals and the land in a meaningful way.

Volunteer at The North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival

Discover your Orkney

There’s so much to see, do and experience in Orkney. The scenes depicted in The Outrun give an insight into the rich landscapes and heritage that are waiting for you to discover for yourself.

Check out this interactive map to transport yourself with Be In The Scene
If you’re interested in finding out more about the book and film locations tied to the island, read the Orkney.com locations blog

While the Orkney Islands are renowned for their welcome, visitors should remember these islands are fragile with limited capacity. Visitors should act responsibly when visiting and are advised to book ahead to make sure that transport, accommodation and visitor attractions have space and can meet visitors’ requirements.

For advice on how to get to Orkney and travel around these beautiful islands visit www.Orkney.com.