Complete Grocery Shopping Guide for Self-Catering Visitors to Orkney

Choosing self-catering accommodation in Orkney offers fantastic flexibility and the chance to sample the islands' incredible local produce. But where do you stock up? While Orkney isn't teeming with giant hypermarkets, a combination of well-stocked supermarkets, charming local delis, traditional butchers, fishmongers, and unique farm shops ensures you can easily find everything you need for delicious holiday meals. This guide covers the best places to shop for groceries across the Orkney Mainland and provides tips for navigating supplies on the outer isles.

Supermarkets: Kirkwall & Stromness Hubs

Orkney's main towns, Kirkwall and Stromness, host the largest supermarkets, offering the widest range of products and longest opening hours.

Tesco Kirkwall Superstore

Located on Pickaquoy Road, Tesco Kirkwall is Orkney's largest supermarket. It offers a comprehensive selection, including a bakery, pharmacy, extensive fresh produce, international foods, clothing, and household goods. It's ideal for a big initial shop upon arrival.

• Range: Full supermarket offering. Good selection of local Orkney products alongside national brands.
• Services: Scan-as-you-Shop, Click+Collect (book slots in advance, especially during peak season), ATMs, recycling facilities.
• Opening Hours: Typically Mon-Sat 6am-Midnight, Sun 8am-10pm (check website for current hours).

Co-operative Food (Kirkwall & Stromness)

The Co-op has large stores in both Kirkwall (Albert Street) and Stromness (Ferry Road). They offer a good range of groceries, including a strong selection of local Orkney products and essentials. Their longer opening hours (often 7am-10pm or 11pm daily) can be convenient.

Lidl (Kirkwall)

Located near Tesco, Lidl offers its standard range of budget-friendly groceries and weekly special buys. It's a good option for stocking up on basics.

Local Delis, Butchers & Fishmongers

For higher quality local specialties and personal service, explore Orkney's independent shops.

• The Brig Larder (Kirkwall): A must-visit deli near the harbour, stocking Jollys smoked fish, Williamsons butcher meat, Orkney cheeses, local beers, gins, and baked goods. Excellent for creating gourmet picnics or finding foodie souvenirs.
• Bayleaf Delicatessen (Stromness): A charming deli on Stromness's main street, known for its selection of Orkney cheeses, freshly baked sourdough, local preserves, and ready-to-eat items.
• Local Butchers (e.g., Donaldson's, Flett's in Kirkwall; Rendall's in Dounby): Offer high-quality Orkney beef, lamb, and the unique North Ronaldsay mutton (ask for availability).
• Orkney Fishermen’s Society (Stromness): Buy incredibly fresh scallops, crab, lobster, and other seafood directly from the fishermen's cooperative.

Farm Shops & Honesty Boxes

Experience Orkney's agricultural heartland by visiting farm shops.

• JP Orkney Produce (Birsay): Offers fantastic hampers delivered across the UK, but also has an honesty box at their Palace farm base for preserves, chutneys, and sometimes baked goods.
• Wheems Organic Farm (South Ronaldsay): A certified organic farm with a seasonal honesty shop (April-Oct) selling fresh vegetables, herbs, and eggs straight from the field. Bring cash!
• Roadside Honesty Boxes: Keep an eye out for smaller honesty boxes dotted around the countryside, often selling eggs, potatoes, or seasonal vegetables directly from farms.

Shopping on the Outer Isles

Grocery shopping requires more planning if staying on islands like Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, or Hoy.

• Community Shops: Most inhabited islands have at least one well-stocked community shop (e.g., Pierowall Stores on Westray, Maurice A. Williamson on Stronsay) selling essentials, often including local produce and acting as Post Offices. Check opening hours carefully as they can be limited.
• Ordering Ahead: Some island shops allow visitors to place an order in advance for collection upon arrival. Enquire directly.
• Bring Supplies: It's wise to bring some non-perishable staples and preferred items from a larger supermarket shop in Kirkwall before heading to an outer isle, especially for longer stays.

Delivery Services

• Tesco: Offers Click+Collect from the Kirkwall store. Home delivery slots for Orkney can be limited and need booking far in advance; check availability for your specific accommodation address.
• Co-op: Provides on-demand delivery in certain areas via their app/website.
• Local Businesses: Some local shops and producers (like JP Orkney) offer local delivery or mail order for hampers and non-perishable goods.

Tips for Self-Caterers

• Shop Seasonally: Look for local seasonal produce like Orkney tatties (potatoes), neeps (turnips), cabbage, and rhubarb.
• Plan Ahead: Especially for outer isles, plan meals and check shop opening times, particularly on Sundays or during local holidays.
• Embrace Local: Don't miss trying Orkney specialties like fatty cutties (a type of biscuit), beremeal bannocks, local cheeses, seafood, and ales.
• Bring Bags: Remember reusable shopping bags.

Watch: Sourcing Orkney's Best

While a specific shopping guide video wasn't found in recent sources, searching YouTube for "Orkney local food tour" or "Shopping in Kirkwall" might yield vlogs showcasing the experience. Look for channels focusing on Scottish travel or food.

Conclusion: Feast on Orkney's Bounty

Self-catering in Orkney is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local food culture. With convenient supermarkets in the main towns supplemented by exceptional independent delis, butchers, fishmongers, and farm shops scattered across the islands, you'll have no trouble sourcing delicious ingredients. Planning ahead, especially for outer isle stays, and embracing the opportunity to try unique local products like Orkney Cheddar, North Ronaldsay Mutton, and beremeal will make your culinary journey as memorable as the scenery.

Ready to cook up an Orkney feast? Find your perfect self-catering base on Orkney Stays, complete with a well-equipped kitchen to make the most of the islands' incredible larder.