Earl's Palace

Earl's Palace is a Renaissance castle ruin on the Orkney Islands built with four wings, towers, and a spiral staircase arranged around a central rectangular courtyard. The walls still stand in sections, most notably at the corners where the four sides meet.

Robert Stewart, half-brother of Mary Queen of Scots, had the palace built between 1569 and 1574 while serving as Earl of Orkney. The building fell into disuse and decline after the Stewart earls lost their power in 1615.

The gun holes at ground level in every wall show how 16th century Scottish nobility built homes that doubled as defensive strongholds. You can still see these openings today as you walk around the structure.

The ruins remain open year-round and free to enter, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The ground is uneven and some walls are unstable, so wear sturdy shoes and move carefully through the site.

The building was abandoned less than 50 years after completion and surprisingly fell into decay very quickly. This rapid abandonment means much of the original structure and interior details remain visible to visitors today.

Location: Orkney Islands

Location: Kirkwall and St Ola

Inception: 1601

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/earls-palace-birsay

GPS coordinates: 58.98053,-2.95887

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00