Top 10 Best Co-working Spaces in Orkney Islands

Why Orkney Is Attracting Remote Workers

The Orkney Islands may seem like an unlikely destination for digital nomads, but the archipelago has quietly become one of Scotland's most interesting places to work remotely. Improved broadband, a world-leading renewable energy sector, a thriving creative community and a quality of life that consistently ranks among the best in the UK have encouraged professionals to relocate or spend extended periods here. Add in breathtaking coastal walks at lunchtime and long summer evenings, and the appeal is clear.

Co-working in Orkney looks different from city centre co-working. Instead of large commercial chains, the islands offer innovation centres, business hubs, libraries, community spaces and creative venues that welcome people who need a desk, a fast connection and a sense of community. Here are the ten best options.

1. Orkney Research and Innovation Campus, Stromness

The Orkney Research and Innovation Campus, often known as ORIC, is a hub for research, innovation and business in Stromness. Developed to support the renewable energy, marine science and research sectors, it provides modern office space, meeting rooms and a collaborative environment. For professionals working in energy, engineering or environmental science, it offers unmatched networking opportunities with researchers and innovators.

2. Highlands and Islands Enterprise Business Units

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has supported a range of business premises in Orkney, including small office and innovation units. While many are leased to individual companies, flexible arrangements are sometimes available for start-ups and growing businesses that need professional space without long commitments.

3. Orkney Library and Archive, Kirkwall

Orkney Library and Archive is one of the most beloved public institutions in the islands, famous for its friendly staff and strong community presence. It offers study spaces, public computers and Wi-Fi, making it a popular choice for students, researchers and remote workers who need a quiet place to focus for a few hours.

4. Orkney College UHI

Orkney College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, provides learning spaces and facilities that support students and researchers. Its connection to a network of campuses across the Highlands and Islands makes it a hub for academic collaboration, and it hosts events, workshops and training that bring professionals together.

5. Kirkwall Business Centres and Serviced Offices

Kirkwall has a selection of serviced offices and business centres offering desk space, private offices and meeting rooms on flexible terms. These are ideal for consultants, contractors and visiting professionals who need a professional base in the island capital, close to the council, NHS Orkney and major businesses.

6. Hotel Business Lounges and Meeting Rooms

Several Kirkwall and Stromness hotels offer meeting rooms, function suites and lounges that can be booked for workshops or used as informal workspaces. For visiting teams or those hosting client meetings, these venues combine professional facilities with refreshments and accommodation on site.

7. Community Hubs on the Outer Isles

Islands such as Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, Eday and Hoy have community centres, heritage centres and development trust offices that often provide Wi-Fi and desk space. Some community trusts have actively developed workspace to attract remote workers and support local enterprise, recognising that digital jobs can help reverse population decline.

8. Creative Studios and Arts Spaces

Orkney has an exceptional creative community, with artists, jewellers, writers, designers and makers spread across the islands. Shared studios and arts spaces offer creative professionals a place to work alongside peers. Stromness in particular has a long-standing artistic reputation and a supportive environment for creative businesses.

9. Cafes with Reliable Wi-Fi

For short sessions, Kirkwall and Stromness cafes provide relaxed spots to answer emails or take a video call over excellent local coffee and home baking. While not formal co-working spaces, they play a valuable role in Orkney's flexible working culture, especially for visitors.

10. Village Halls and Community Centres

Across the Orkney mainland, village halls and community centres in places such as Finstown, Dounby, St Margaret's Hope and Orphir host community activities and can be booked for meetings, training days or pop-up co-working sessions. These spaces support local networking and help rural residents avoid long commutes.

Trends Shaping Flexible Work in Orkney

Connectivity improvements are central to Orkney's flexible work potential. Superfast and full-fibre broadband rollouts have expanded across the islands, and community-led connectivity projects have helped remote areas. Satellite internet has also given outer isle residents new options.

Policymakers and development trusts see remote working as a key tool for island repopulation. Attracting digital professionals, even for part of the year, supports local shops, schools and services. The renewable energy and marine sectors are another driver, creating demand for flexible workspace for visiting engineers, researchers and consultants.

There is also a growing emphasis on wellbeing. Workers increasingly value a balanced lifestyle, and Orkney's combination of clean air, short commutes, wildlife and heritage makes it a compelling alternative to crowded cities.

How to Choose a Co-working Space in Orkney

• Check connectivity: Confirm broadband speeds and reliability before committing, especially for video-heavy work.
• Consider location: Proximity to ferries, the airport or clients can matter if you travel often.
• Think about community: Innovation campuses offer networking, while libraries provide quiet focus.
• Look at flexibility: Day passes, monthly desks and meeting room rental suit different needs.
• Plan for seasons: Winter weather can affect travel, so a workspace close to home is a smart choice.

Conclusion

Orkney's co-working scene is defined by community, innovation and inspiring surroundings. From the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus to library desks, creative studios and outer isle hubs, there are workspaces to suit every type of remote professional. For anyone seeking productivity balanced with an extraordinary quality of life, Orkney is well worth considering.