• You can fly to Kirkwall Orkney Islands Scotland from Aberdeen, Edinburgh , Glasgow , and Inverness on the Scottish mainland, in addition to Shetland Island located even farther to the north. (destination360.com)
  • Known as the Royal Burgh, Kirkwall is the Orkney Islands capital. (destination360.com)
  • Sanday is one of the most northerly of the Orkney Islands, a ferry ride or a flight away from the Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland. (sandayorkney.co.uk)
  • At the heart of Orkney and on Mainland is the capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall. (migratingmiss.com)
  • There are lots of things to do in Kirkwall, including visiting the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral, the Earl's Palace, the Orkney Museum and the Wireless Museum. (migratingmiss.com)
  • The most imposing building in Kirkwall is St Magnus Cathedral, built when the islands were ruled by the Norse Earl's of Orkney. (migratingmiss.com)
  • In 1999 an area west of Kirkwall was deemed the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" and earned UNESCO World Heritage Status. (migratingmiss.com)
  • Option 2 - Aberdeen to Kirkwall - Offer numerous sailings a week departing from Aberdeen at 1700 and arriving to Kirkwall, the main city in Orkney, at 2300 (Departing Kirkwall at 2300 and arriving Aberdeen at 0700 on the return). (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • The other option for coming to Orkney is to fly, with Loganair offering flights from various Scottish Airports into Kirkwall. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • It's a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. (dhgrouptours.com)
  • This was the experience offered on Saturday afternoon by selected readings from 200 Years of Diaries, Life's Documents Chronicled at Orkney Archive, Kirkwall Library. (gabriellebarnby.com)
  • For more information, please visit our Ferries from Scotland to Orkney Islands page. (directferries.co.uk)
  • Orkney Islands are located off the far northern tip of Scotland and are most often accessed by a boat ride of some sort. (destination360.com)
  • The Orkney Islands Scotland prehistoric sites that are named in the UNESCO inscription are located on the Mainland. (destination360.com)
  • The Orkney Islands were conquered Norway in 875 AD and were ceded to Scotland in 1472. (destination360.com)
  • Most of the most popular things to do on the Orkney Islands Scotland involve outdoor activities. (destination360.com)
  • Orknøjar ), also known as the Orkney Islands , is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland , situated off the north coast of the island of Great Britain . (kiddle.co)
  • Orkney is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, as well as a constituency of the Scottish Parliament , a lieutenancy area, and an historic county . (kiddle.co)
  • The local council is Orkney Islands Council, one of only three councils in Scotland with a majority of elected members who are independents . (kiddle.co)
  • In 1472, the Parliament of Scotland absorbed the Earldom of Orkney into the Kingdom of Scotland , following failure to pay a dowry promised to James III of Scotland by the family of his bride, Margaret of Denmark . (kiddle.co)
  • How to get to Sanday, Orkney Islands, Scotland. (sandayorkney.co.uk)
  • In 1474 Orkney became part of Scotland, after King Christian I of Norway (plus Denmark and Sweden) pledged Orkney and Shetland against payment of his daughter's dowry when she married King James III of Scotland. (migratingmiss.com)
  • In the islands of Orkney, the 'mainland' refers to the main island, rather than mainland Scotland or Britain. (migratingmiss.com)
  • This post features some from Orkney, but the 6 day trip took in much of Scotland too. (retrospectivetraveller.co.uk)
  • The scenery was stunning and these panoramic photos are a great taste of the trip around Scotland and mainland Orkney, so I thought I'd share them. (retrospectivetraveller.co.uk)
  • The trip took 6 days and took me all over Scotland via Orkney in a big figure of eight covering the Highlands, Trossachs, Cairngorms, north-west coast, many of the Lochs (including Loch Ness and the Great Glen), glens and mountains and finally the Borders. (retrospectivetraveller.co.uk)
  • The Orkney Islands were Norwegian until ceded to Scotland in 1472, in lieu of the unpaid dowry of Queen Margaret of Denmark. (wikivoyage.org)
  • Spend the day on the Orkney Isles, and travel the northenmost coast of mainland Scotland. (easyjet.com)
  • We also have an active network of Satellite Associates, who are based throughout Scotland, from Orkney to the Western Isles and down to the Borders. (s-s-a.org)
  • With no restriction on travel within this area of Scotland and no limit on travel distance, we arrived to Pentland Ferries terminal on Gills Bay at 9:00am. (tailormadeitineraries.com)
  • Orkney is a wonderful place, unlike anywhere else in Scotland or the UK. (stormskillstraining.com)
  • The Norse (Vikings) were quite active around the coast of Scotland and had the Jarldom of Orkney there for a while in the far north. (languagehat.com)
  • But first you have to get to Mainland Orkney by air or sea. (sandayorkney.co.uk)
  • The Hampshire wreck actually lies on the seabed some distance from Hoy and Scapa Flow-between Marwick Head and Brough Head, on the Atlantic coast of Mainland Orkney. (oikofuge.com)
  • Travelling from Inverness to Gills Bay takes approximately 2 ½ hours. (pentlandferries.co.uk)
  • The mystical haunt of Nessie is our first stop today before passing through Inverness en route to Dunrobin Castle. (brendanvacations.com)
  • Flying is the quickest way to get there, with direct flights to Orkney from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Sumburgh (Shetland) and Aberdeen. (migratingmiss.com)
  • Ferry timetables change seasonally use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Gills Bay St Margaret's Hope ferries. (directferries.co.uk)
  • Yes, Pentland Ferries allow cars on board for ferries between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope. (directferries.co.uk)
  • Yes, foot passengers can travel with Pentland Ferries between Gills Bay and St Margaret's Hope. (directferries.co.uk)
  • Book ferries from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers. (directferries.co.uk)
  • Pentland Ferries operates a passenger and car ferry service between Gill's Bay on the mainland and St Margaret's Hope in Orkney all year round. (sandayorkney.co.uk)
  • The Scottish Government so writes STV News , announced in March that it had chartered the 2019 built MV Alfred from Orkney Isles operator Pentland Ferries for nine months to supplement their west coast service at a cost of £9m. (afloat.ie)
  • Northlink Ferries offer two routes to Orkney. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • Pentland Ferries offer the quickest sailing at 1 hour from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope in Orkney. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • Bookings can me made on the Orkney Ferries website or by calling 01856 872044. (westraak.co.uk)
  • There is also a shorter crossing from Gills Bay, near John O' Groats, to St Margaret's Hope, run by Pentland Ferries . (westraak.co.uk)
  • She was then purchased by Pentland Ferries for employment, as Pentalina B , on the crossing between Gills Bay (Caithness)and St Margaret's Hope (Orkney). (crsc.org.uk)
  • The Ferries to the Orkney Isles can be caught from Scrabster, Gills Bay or John O Groats, all of which are only 20/25 minutes away from our property. (windhaven.co.uk)
  • The Forum also congratulated Serco NorthLink Ferries, as they celebrated 10 years successfully operating the vital ferry service from the Scottish Mainland to the Shetland and Orkney islands in July 2022. (caithnesschamber.com)
  • The INN is situated on the waterfront of the picturesque village of St Mary's, ideally located to visit the whole of Orkney - especially the south part of the mainland and the connected south isles. (aboutbritain.com)
  • Visit the isles of Skye and Mull, the Orkney Islands and witness the beauty of Loch Ness. (brendanvacations.com)
  • But there's also the northern isles of Orkney and Shetland , that have a whole history and story of their own. (migratingmiss.com)
  • This is your chance to join us on an expedition style journey through the rugged waters of the Orkney Isles. (kayaksummerisles.com)
  • We were greeted and checked in by a very pleasant attendant who provided us a boarding pass, we then queued, drove onboard ' MV Alfred ,' and in a blink of an eye (one hour, to be exact), we arrived to St. Margaret's Hope in Orkney. (tailormadeitineraries.com)
  • These are called the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney" and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (destination360.com)
  • the " Heart of Neolithic Orkney " is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site . (kiddle.co)
  • The local bus service, operated by Aaron's of Wick (T: 01955 445844), connects Gills Bay with Wick and Thurso. (pentlandferries.co.uk)
  • The shortest ferry route from the mainland is from the far northern towns of Thurso, Scrabster, and Gills Bay. (destination360.com)
  • Traffic to the far north was mostly to Thurso, for the car ferry to Orkney, so in 1997 that road was re-designated A9 and the former last stretch through Wick to John o'Groats became A99. (wikivoyage.org)
  • Near to John O'Groats you have the iconic Duncansby Stacks that need exploring, the quick ferry from Gill's Bay over to Orkney a must for a daytrip, the Castle of Mey (open in the summer), Dunnet Head and Beach, as well as characterful Thurso and Wick. (petspyjamas.com)
  • From The Stable it's highly recommended that you take a trip to Orkney from Gills Bay, which is a cheaper and quicker ferry than that from Scrabster. (petspyjamas.com)
  • Close to Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John O' Groats, board the ferry to cross the Pentland Firth to the Orkney archipelago. (easyjet.com)
  • The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our new three-day tour, your experienced guide will ensure you find the best of them. (dhgrouptours.com)
  • Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago. (dhgrouptours.com)
  • We board a ferry to South Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, viewing the stretch of WWII causeways known as the Churchill Barriers. (brendanvacations.com)
  • On a recent trip from Edinburgh to Orkney and back again I took some quick panoramic photos on my phone. (retrospectivetraveller.co.uk)
  • The 5-day tour from Edinburgh takes you on a discovery of the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. (easyjet.com)
  • Stromness is the second most populated city in Orkney, located on the mainland, with plenty of history too. (migratingmiss.com)
  • There is a crazy amount of history in Orkney, if you're interested in the World Wars then Ness Battery in Stromness makes a great stop off, or if you prefer your history older, neolithic sties such as Skara Brae have loads to offer. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • Orkney is 10 miles (16 km) north of the coast of Caithness and has about 70 islands, of which 20 are inhabited. (kiddle.co)
  • MV Alfred which can also handle 16 lorries, normally serves the Pentland Forth crossing from the mainland at Gills Bay, Caithness (near John o'Groats) to St Margaret's Hope on South Ronaldsey. (afloat.ie)
  • But these along with more sites like Keiss Castle and Harbour, and Duncansby Head can be easily reached by car from The Stable en-route to your inevitable trip to John O'Groats. (petspyjamas.com)
  • It was good to hear that customer service roles at Gills Harbour had been filled. (caithnesschamber.com)
  • Blaeu's 1654 map of Orkney and Shetland. (kiddle.co)
  • From the mid 1980s she operated a variety of services in and around Orkney, and in recent years has provided the current feeder service, indirectly linking Papa Westray into Orkney's network of ferry services. (undiscoveredscotland.co.uk)
  • In order to get to Westray you first have to be in Orkney Mainland. (westraak.co.uk)
  • Westray and Papa Westray Tourist Association and Visit Orkney websites list details of what's available. (westraak.co.uk)
  • More detailed information about Westray can be found at Westray Community and Visit Orkney . (westraak.co.uk)
  • Away with Maja details her list of things to do in Westray, amongst a wealth of travel tips for Orkney and beyond! (westraak.co.uk)
  • The Pickaquoy Centre Trust was set up in 1999 to manage The Pickaquoy Centre on behalf of Orkney Islands Council (OIC). (pickaquoy.co.uk)
  • Heading north from Scotland's capital city, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and explore the history of the Orkney Islands. (easyjet.com)
  • Hoy is unique among the Orkney Islands, its rugged geography more like the mountainous Scottish Highlands than the rolling farmland found in Scotland's northeast and the rest of Orkney. (goingthewholehogg.com)
  • Well, a holiday in Orkney can still involve white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but you'll be treated to historical marvels, a craft culture, and amazing other things to do in Orkney that you never even imagined you'd find on a group of islands, perched at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. (migratingmiss.com)
  • Day 3: Explore the ancient island of Orkney, and discover a land of contrasts, where fertile green pastures are fringed by shores of golden sands, and washed by the waters of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. (easyjet.com)
  • Day 4: It's time to leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. (easyjet.com)
  • Outer Green Hill is in the parish of Walls and Flotta and the county of Orkney . (stravaiging.com)
  • We know how stressful it can be trying to plan an exciting trip or holiday, especially somewhere as remote as Orkney, so have got a few bits here to try and help. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • Then, board the ferry for a memorable trip to the mysterious and magical Orkney Islands. (easyjet.com)
  • Along with nearby Rackwick Bay, it is the scenic highlight of a trip to Hoy, and indeed a strong contender for the most beautiful spot in all of Orkney. (goingthewholehogg.com)
  • Hoy makes for an ideal day trip from Orkney Mainland , but is also a great option for longer stays. (goingthewholehogg.com)
  • I finished my previous post about our Orkney trip with a photograph of the salvaged propeller of HMS Hampshire , which sits in the forecourt of the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy. (oikofuge.com)
  • The Orkney Islands number 70 and have a history of inhabitation that stretches back around 10,000 years, meaning there are plenty of things to do in Orkney that involve historic elements, alongside just viewing the scenery. (migratingmiss.com)
  • So let's talk about Orkney, one of the most magical places I've ever been! (migratingmiss.com)
  • The most popular way to come to Orkney is by ferry, which has the added bonus of giving you chance to explore the Scottish Mainland on the way up. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • This means there's a lot of history in Orkney from different origins, leaving lots of things for us to explore and do! (migratingmiss.com)
  • This collection brings the history and culture of Orkney to life through its natural landscape, the stories of its people and its devotional objects. (scottishbooktrust.com)
  • Whether you visit Orkney on a tour, as part of a cruise, or on your own, you'll find yourself enchanted by this mystical land. (migratingmiss.com)
  • Orkney is made up of a number of islands and they're all worth a visit (but you'll need a long holiday to manage that). (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • Further details can be found on the Orkney Archive Facebook page and more information about Dylan Jonas Stone can be found at http://dylanjonasstone.com . (gabriellebarnby.com)
  • Orkney was colonized and later annexed by the Kingdom of Norway in 875 and settled by the Norsemen . (kiddle.co)
  • Huge thanks also to the Blue Door Team who give great service to Orkney by their efforts and generosity. (deernessorkney.co.uk)
  • Jan de Groot was a Dutchman who came here in 1489 with his brothers and set up a ferry service to Orkney. (wikivoyage.org)
  • The work of deciphering the diaries had begun several days earlier when local individuals Gill and Mark Tennant, Cary Welling, Pam Beasant, Beth Banerjee-Richards, Lynn Johnson, Alison Miller and myself were invited to look over the diaries in preparation for sharing with each other. (gabriellebarnby.com)
  • For that reason, it's an archaeologists dream and there are lots of great things to do in Orkney related to the historical sites. (migratingmiss.com)
  • Bus 77 runs from Wick to John o'Groats, three times M-F taking 30 min, and in summer a couple of extra buses continue to Gills Land for the ferry. (wikivoyage.org)
  • Obviously the main thing we'd recommend in Orkney is Diving or snorkelling with us, but there are loads of other things to enjoy whilst here. (krakendiving.co.uk)
  • The distance between Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope is approximately 19.1 miles (30.8km) or 16.6 nautical miles for the mariners! (directferries.co.uk)