Opening Times

The Orkney Archive Search Room and Orkney Room are open to the public for research and private study. 

Archive Reception

Current Opening Times in Archive Searchroom 

and Orkney Room

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday : 10am-6pm

Friday: 10am-5pm

Saturday : 10am-5pm

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Closed Days in 2026

Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays

21st September - closing at 5pm.

28th September-8th October closing at 5pm

25th-31st December (Christmas/Hogmanay)

Closed Days in 2027

Closed on Sundays and Wednesdays

1st - 4th January

We may need to adjust our opening times at short notice, 

so please check again before your visit. 

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Let us know when you would like to come in and we'll reserve a table for you, if there is space available. Your table will be in the Search Room or the Orkney Room depending on your needs. If you just need a microfilm reader, these are in the Search Room and can be booked individually. 

Contact the Archive Staff by email or telephone.

 

archives@orkney.gov.uk or 01856 873166

Archive Search Room 

Booking in advance and telling us a little about your research enables Archive Staff to identify which items will be most useful for you, making the most of your time. Any items you request before your booking will be set out on your table when you arrive. 

It is also ok if you want to visit without booking. Have a chat with our staff and they will find sources that can help you on the day. 

Orkney Room: Local Studies

When you arrive you will be asked to fill in a Visitor Registration Form and put your bags in a locker. Lockers are located in the corridor near the searchroom, by the public toilets. 

Keys are available from the staff. 

Please bring the key back at the end of your visit!  

Archive Lockers

Tables, chairs, computers and microform readers will be cleaned before and after your booking. Visitors are asked to wash their hands before handling any original archive items. 

There is a charge for self-photography of Archives and Orkney Room books of £6.30 per day. Please ask staff for permission before taking any photographs, as there may be another form to fill in. 

For more information on our holdings and procedures click here