Orkney

Orkney is the group of islands which lie off the northernmost tip of Scotland.

The archipelago of Orkney consists of around 70 islands, although only 17 of these are currently inhabited. Orkney has a population of around 19,500. The largest island of the group is known as 'Mainland' (divided into West Mainland and East Mainland) and is the location of the two main towns of Orkney - Kirkwall and Stromness.

In the summer months Orkney enjoys long days - where the sun hardly sets. With clean air and awe-inspiring scenery Orkney is a wonderful place to visit.

Orkney boasts a rich cultural heritage - impressive archaeology, including the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, traditional folklore, music festivals. Orkney is also home to a large number of artists and craftspeople.

Orkney is the group of islands which lie off the northernmost tip of Scotland.

The archipelago of Orkney consists of around 70 islands, although only 17 of these are currently inhabited. Orkney has a population of around 19,500. The largest island of the group is known as 'Mainland' (divided into West Mainland and East Mainland) and is the location of the two main towns of Orkney - Kirkwall and Stromness.

In the summer months Orkney enjoys long days - where the sun hardly sets. With clean air and awe-inspiring scenery Orkney is a wonderful place to visit.

Orkney boasts a rich cultural heritage - impressive archaeology, including the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, traditional folklore, music festivals. Orkney is also home to a large number of artists and craftspeople.

Stromness is the main diving centre for Orkney. It is a small town, but boasts all the amenities necessary for a week's diving. The town is centred around the harbour with the majority of facilities within walking distance of Huskyan and Number 15. A vehicle is not necessary while in Stromness but useful if you wish to go site seeing, however car hire is available.

What Stromness has:

• Pubs! - The Ferry Inn, The Stromness Hotel and The Royal Hotel all serve good beer and food
• Dive Shop - Scapa Scuba, a fully stocked dive shop, with overnight dry suit and equipment repairs. See Scapa Scuba for more information
• Banks - Bank of Scotland with cashpoint
• Supermarket - Co-op open till 10pm
• Bakery, butchers, and grocers stocked with local produce
• Doctors - Stromness Surgery has HSE approved hyperbaric doctors
• Hyperbaric Chamber - based in Stromness, on call 24 hours a day
• Chemist
• Restaurants - Hamnavoe, Julia’s Coffee Shop, and ‘the chip shop’
• Petrol station - Near the Co-op, North End Road
• Art galleries, museums and craft shops

Download our A Guide To Your Holiday below