Orkney is an archipelago of approximately 70 islands, 19 of which are inhabited, situated north of the UK mainland, with daily transport links to the UK by regular scheduled air and ferry services.

Most of Orkney's population live on the Mainland of Orkney- (the Scottish mainland to an Orcadian is 'Scotland'), the largest island of which separates the remainder of the archipelago into the North Isles and South Isles.The Mainland is itself divided into the West Mainland and East Mainland with the capital Kirkwall at the narrowest point in the middle being the home to approximately 8,500 of Orkney's 20,000 residents.

The combination of Kirkwall's relative size and isolation from larger settlements means that a comprehensive selection of services and good quality shops are concentrated there- visitors will often comment that they can see things in the shops in Orkney that they can't get hold of back home.

Orkney's other main town is Stromness in the West Mainland, the picturesque home of the traditional ferry link to Scotland, although another popular ferry service now also runs from Scotland to the village of St Margarets Hope in South Ronaldsay.

Orkney is very proud of its Norse heritage having been part of Norway from 875 until it was annexed by Scotland in 1472 on the failed payment of a dowry for James III's bride, Margaret of Denmark. This lives on in the placenames, dialect and some traditions.

These days one of Orkney's main claims to fame is the quality of its produce from its progressive agricultural and shellfish industries, and also the fine beverages from the Highland Park and Scapa distilleries, the Orkney Brewery and Highland Brewing Company, and Orkney Wine Company. Other leading brands from Orkney are Orkney Cheese, and of course Orkney Ice Cream.

You can sample some of these products in the Welcome Pack that will await when you stay with us.

But for the visitor Orkney's appeal lies in its unique attractions such as the astonishing archaeology of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar, and the activities such as superb diving on the scuttled German fleet. That and the fact that it is enjoyable just to spend some time here...