gathering and Sharing

hoy heritage.

‘A great space with archives, exhibitions and artwork. A real treasure trove at the foot of the hills.‘

HOY HERITAGE CENTRE AT HOY KIRK IN ORKNEY, SCOTLAND.

Our Mission

We are a community run venue protecting and promoting the heritage of Hoy. We offer cultural events, exhibitions and a community archive. Our building, a former 19thC church, is always open. Free entrance.

We are a registered Scottish Charity – No. SC 034605.

Our CONTENT

Our exhibitions, displays and archive material cover many subjects including The Old Man of Hoy, Family history, Shipwrecks, Archaeology, Music, Art, Transport, Natural history. We have a well stocked library and folders to browse. We have changing exhibitions, films and audios. The vestry is now home to the RSPB Moorland Discovery Room.

And for your comfort we have toilets, a kitchen where you can make a cup of tea and the kirk is set out with table and chairs.

Our AREA

Hoy is the name of the island as well as the parish. The focus of our Heritage Centre is the parish of Hoy, Orkney. The current island population is around 390, and the population of the Hoy parish is approximately 40. The Hoy Heritage Archive covers the area that the kirk used to serve – from the north end of the island of Hoy to the parish line near Betty Corrigall’s grave, covering Rackwick and Braebuster.

Our History

The community bought the church and renovated the building, installing a kitchen and toilets, so that the kirk can be used as a multi-purpose venue. It now runs as a heritage centre and venue for music events, talks, private hire, weddings, funerals and occasional services.

To find out about the history of this 19thC building visit here.