Linkshouse - Orkney Arts Residency

Linkshouse – Orkney Arts Residency is a dedicated residential and creative space on the north-west coast of Orkney’s Mainland. It offers a spectacular location for creative endeavour in a unique historic and natural environment.

Both a landing strip for artists visiting Orkney and a launch pad for local creativity Linkshouse supports arts organisations, community activities, and individuals to enjoy and create art.

The property came to the Pier Arts Centre as a bequest from Barbara and Edgar Williamson in memory of their son, artist Erlend Williamson (1966-96), who found great inspiration in Orkney’s landscape and environment.

Alongside the facilities at the Pier Arts Centre, the establishment of a permanent residency centre at Linkshouse, has widened the scope of creative and learning opportunities in Orkney.

Available on application

Artists and creative practitioners across all media are welcome to apply for self funded residencies.

COSTS (2024 rates)

Single Room
£600–£700 per week

Whole House
£3500–£4000 per week

Prices are dependent on both the length of stay and time of year. All rooms include ensuite facilities, with access to shared living room, kitchen and optional use of a studio or workshop space. Self-catering basis. All bedlinen and towels supplied. Inclusive of utilities.

If you have any access requirements please let us know in advance.

Pets are strictly not allowed in the property. The exception is for support dogs, however, please be aware that the property is surrounded by farmland with grazing livestock.

LIVING - GATHER

The communal living spaces are presented to a high standard.

The lounge on the ground floor features framed views out to the lighthouse on the Brough of Birsay and to the cliffs of Marwick Head.

The kitchen is fully equipped. All cookware and crockery is provided. Our kitchen also has arguably one of the best views in Orkney.

There is a utility room with laundry facilities, a large main lobby, accessible bathroom and a small reading snug on the first floor with views out to the rolling farmland.

BEDROOMS - RETREAT

There are five comfortable bedrooms, all of which have been furnished to a high standard. There are three twin / king rooms, and one double on the first floor and an accessible double on the ground floor.

Each bedroom has a separate bathroom facility, under-bed storage, clothing rail and a window desk space.

Bedrooms are allocated depending on availability. If you have any additional requirements or access needs, please let us know in advance.

WORKSHOPS - PRACTICE

Linkshouse has two workshops located in the single story out-building. These spaces are suitable for messy work. There is also a space on the ground floor within the main building, suitable for clean working.

We strive to facilitate every artist. However, we are currently unable to hosts practices which involve hot working, or work with materials such as stone and metal due to issues with noise and dust. Workshops allocation is dependent on availability.

Further information

Read the Orkney.com feature on Linkshouse- Orkney Arts Residency by David Flanagan here >

Hear Pier Arts Centre Director Neil Firth talk to Radio Orkney’s David Delday about the project here >

The refurbishment and conversion of the building has been made possible with generous assistance from Creative Scotland, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, The Foyle Foundation, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Turtleton Trust and the William Syson Foundation.

A successful Crowdfunding campaign has raised over £33,000 to equip and furnish Linkshouse - Orkney Arts Residency, including generous donations from Charles Asprey, Philip Hughes, The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust.