With the prices of cruise ship excursions, we decided to do things on our own instead of signing up with the cruise ship. Does anyone have any ideas what we can do in Kirkwall and S. Queensferry, Scotland. Or....possibly get on a train to visit other neighboring cities that are worth the visit. We have no idea what is to visit in both these cities. HELP!

Kirkwall is not a very big place. You will be able to walk through the town and see St Magnus Cathedral in a couple of hours.
Look at www.wildaboutorkney.com to get more ideas.
The little town of Stromness is very pretty - I prefer it to Kirkwall.

Forgot to say.... South Queensferry is near to Edinburgh.
If you post your question on the Europe forum there are locals who can give you some good input.

Also want to say....
I don't know when youre in those ports, but it's quite chilly at the moment so pack a fleece jacket. I live in Shetland and 3 weeks ago we met friends off the Seabourn Pride and took them around for the day. They had also been to Leith, Invergordon and Kirkwall and hadn't packed enough jumpers.

South Queensferry is on the river Forth. Don't know what the ship does: tendering or docking. However Edinburgh is very close. There is a train station at SQ direct to Edinburgh Waverly with Scotrail. Alternatively should not be more than about £20 in a taxi.

In SQ we took the train to Edinburgh (it's a hike to the train station, but do-able)and then got on a hop on/hop off bus. The people on the train were warm and wonderful, explaining what we were seeing as the train whizzed by. They were a bit difficult to understand at times, but I'm sure they thought the same about us. Enjoy! It's my favorite cruise yet!