Orkney - St Magnus Cathedral

St Magnus Cathedral, in Kirkwall, is known as the 'Light in the North' and is the most northerly cathedral in the British Isles.  It was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. The building uses a combination of red and yellow sandstone, often in alternating courses or a chequerboard pattern.  Due to its age, the windows of St Magnus are much smaller than found in most later churches.

The cathedral is free to visit.  I went on a rainy morning, but even so there weren't that many visitors.  I don't think it's a stop for the coach tours.  The staff were lovely.  A quick word and they gave me permission to shoot with a tripod (no specific permit required).  One of them later told me the story of a time when a chap walked in and asked to shoot with a large format camera.  Permission given, he set to work.  Then another dozen other 'togs walked in, all of them also sporting large format cameras.  They, apparently, were a club on an outing.  But the first chap had nothing to do with them.  He just happened to be out on the same day.  He probably thought he'd get the place all to himself.  Bet he was annoyed.