Orkney’s history goes back more than 4,500 years ago to the earliest dwellings of Neolithic people, most stunning of these is at Skara Brae. Today the islands are invaded by thousands of birds and other wildlife that make their home on these magical isles.
Kirkwall, the islands’ capital is a substantial town, dominated by the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, which tells the tale of Viking invasions. Visitors can follow the Orkney Craft Trail which includes a range of arts and crafts including contemporary textile and the world-renowned Orcadian jewellery.
There are many local food specialities to try in Orkney and visitors can sample whisky from Highland Park, the most northerly of whisky distilleries. The Orkney Food Festival in September is the annual showcase of island produce including cheese and seafood.
Signs of spectacular wildlife abound, with road signs warning motorists to watch out for otters crossing. The sea cliffs resound with the calls of auks and kittiwakes, and the moorlands are home to rare birds of prey.
For walkers, the dramatic cliffs by Old Man of Hoy are a magnet and anglers can try their skills at one of the many lochs. Visitors can take island excursions and see Viking graffiti on Neolithic tombs and discover the story of the British Navy’s anchorage offshore at the fascinating Scapa Flow Visitor Centre.