Orkney Islands in Scottish Isles

Enchanting Orkney is a smorgasbord of must-see sites and cultural attractions scattered across 70 islands. On Mainland, is the capital Kirkwall whose sights include St Magnus Cathedral, the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces and the Orkney Museum. The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases the work of artists and sculptors from Orkney and beyond. In West Mainland, don’t miss the hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area of great archaeological significance includes Skara Brae, Europe’s best-preserved Stone Age village; the Ring of Brodgar; the Stones of Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb. Other notable islands include Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum; the Brough of Birsay with its Norse ruins; Rousay for over 100 archaeological sites; and North Ronaldsay which has a unique heritage and history.