Image of The Earls Palace, Kirkwall, Orkney

-- The Earls Palace, Orkney, A short distance from Saint Magnus Cathedral, the palace was built c. 1600 by Patrick Stewart, second Earl of Orkney using slave labour. It is known as the finest example of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. After Lord Orkneys death, the palace continued to be the residence of the Bishops of Orkney until 1688 when it reverted to the crown and fell into ruin. Larger size available.