NEW TECHNOLOGY – 1920s

Orkney took a giant leap forward to embrace the new technology of the 20th century in the early 1920s.

A period of just two years saw the arrival in Kirkwall of mains electricity, public telephones, radio broadcasting and a publicly-owned mains gas system.

The rate of progress was rapid. In May, 1922, Orkney was the only county in Scotland not to have a telephone service, and the county council called on the Post Office authorities to install one. It was to be officially opened just 15 months later.

Also, in May, 1922, Kirkwall Town Council revealed plans for a burgh electricity scheme with a generating station to be built on the corner of St Magnus Lane and Junction Road. That scheme was up and running just 20 months later.

The years 1923-24 saw the arrival of the first mass market wireless receivers in the county, enabling Orcadians to tune into radio broadcasts from around the world. Often, a wireless set would be purchased by a community, allowing people to attend what were called “listening in” concerts.

Kirkwall’s British Legion Club installed its first radio set in February, 1924, allowing nearly 50 members to be entertained by “a varied programme from practically all the British Broadcasting Stations, and the School of Arts, Paris.”

Civil Air Age...