Was yours previously used on relatively sheltered sea lochs? Your friend may have said something true in jest if so.
Truthfully, I wouldn't take it out in more than a force 2, or maybe a 3. Orkney's don't have much free board and are susceptible to water over the gunnels so be sure to have a good bilge pump or two. They're also quite light in the hull, so will bob about like a cork in a chop, making for an uncomfortable fishing trip. Generally speaking, more mass = more comfort with boats.
With that said, with mine I found that I ran out of bravery before the hull did, which is better than the alternative!
I'm assuming this is your first boat. They are great starter boats, but I suspect you'll want to go bigger once you master the basics and your sea legs get more adventurous.