Kirkwall Cemetery

Kirkwall Cemetery is one of the most visited places in Orkney, United Kingdom. Located on top of a hill, the cemetery overlooks the town of Kirkwall and the surrounding landscape, creating an ideal spot for walking, photography and sightseeing. Within the cemetery are some of the oldest graves in the area, including the tomb of Thomas Reid (1710-1796), who was the first Earl of Orkney and an important figure in Naval history. You can find monuments and sculptures from different periods throughout the cemetery, while the most notable sculpture is the 7 foot tall statue of John Rae, the first Orcadian to circumnavigate the world. It is a beautiful site to visit and offers a unique look into local history.