The Kelp Store

One of Orkney’s most important exports used to be the ash from Kelp, the seaweed which is regularly washed ashore by storms and left on beaches by high tides. Previously, the seaweed had been dragged onto fields to act as a fertiliser and soil conditioner, but Kelp drying walls were built and burning pits were dug and thousands of tonnes were burnt and exported to make glass and soap. On Papay two of the most beautiful buildings are Kelp Stores. The peeling red paint and weathered wooden beams give the buildings wonderful character.