Other Activities

Rugby

Orkney’s Rugby Club play against a number of teams including ShetlandRFC, RAF Lossiemouth RFC, Aberdeenshire RFC, Alloa RFC and Fife Southern RFC to name a few. In addition each year Orkney hosts a 7s tournament and a number of visiting teams take part – In 2008 this is the weekend of the 3rd May. For details about the club and if you would like further details on the 7s tournament see www.orkneyrfc.co.uk

Scrambling

In July 2006 the Orkney Motocross Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary. For the weekends celebratory events, over 100 bikes of old and new turned up to commemorate this special occasion. The bikes involved were early classic machines, from the mid 70s to the early 80s, through to the modern bikes of the 90s and present days.

For further details about the club and events held throughout the year go to www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/motocross

 

Skateboarding

A new skatepark opened beside the Peerie Sea Kirkwall in the summer of 2005. Funds were raised for the park by a team of local children, the Orkney Skatepark Group to provide a safe activity zone for roller blading, BMX cycling and skateboarding enthusiasts, rather than using public streets and walkways.

Horse Riding

A new indoor arena at the Market Stance on the outskirts of Kirkwall opened in 2004. The arena is available for hire by anyone in the community. The arena itself is 53 metres by 36 metres and the Orkney sand surface, which is groomed regularly, rides really well. There is a large cafeteria, fully fitted kitchen, office/first aid room, ample toilet facilities including disabled and two large storage areas. For further details about the club and events held throughout the year www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/orkneyridingcentre
will provide you with details.

If you would like to go trekking when you’re in Orkney, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider you can find details about local facilities at www.cruanridingschool.co.uk or if you would like to groom a pony on a farm and have a shot on a horse drawn wagonette see www.gairadrivingponies.co.uk for details.

Fitness & Leisure

The Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall offers various facilities including:
sport, arts and entertainment venue offering fitness and health suite, cafe, bar, cinema, adventure play area, multi-activity arena, athletics track, all weather pitch, caravan site, multi-functional rooms. Go to www.pickaquoy.com or call 01856 879000 for details.

If you would like to go swimming while in Orkney you have the choice of using the facilities at the Kirkwall Swimming Pool, the Stromness Swimming Pool and Fitness Suite (both 25m), call (01856) 873535 for opening times. Or you can also find swimming pools on some of the smaller outer isles - North Walls Swimming Pool, Hoy t. (01856) 701460, Sanday Swimming Pool, t. (01857) 600310, Stronsay Swimming Pool,
t. (01857) 616331 and Pierowall Swimming Pool, Westray.

Outdoor Centres

The council run two outdoor centre’s located in Hoy and Birsay which offer residential courses tailored to the needs of local schools and other organisations. Activities on offer include canoeing, sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling, walking, orienteering, campcraft skills, environmental studies, kite flying, archery and scuba diving. Activities encouraging teamwork are also available for children of many age groups and abilities. For details call community education on (01856) 873535.