Orkney
Orkney comprises over 70 islands, around 20 are inhabited. The largest island, known as the Mainland, has an area of 202 square miles, making it the sixth-largest Scottish island. The main town is Kirkwall. Internal ferries are used to connect with the main island. There are several ways to travel to Orkney and on the Scrabster to Stromness ferry there is a distinct sense of excitement when the ferry approaches the Island of Hoy and the Old Man of Hoy is visible. It must be one of the most photographed icons of Orkney and it certainly does not disappoint. Most people travel to the island by ferry, from Caithness and also from Aberdeen. You can also fly into the main island.
Orkney has many historical sites to visit including Skara Brae, a Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site in the care of Historic Scotland. It was unearthed after a wild storm in 1850 and explored by the Laird of Skaill, William Watt. When you visit Skara Brae you can see pictures of the original excavation carried out by William Watt and later work on the site. There is also a reconstruction of the original central building where you can get a sense of the atmosphere the original people would have when living in the village in the past.
Skara Brae is on of the oldest, well preserved farming villages dating from over 5000 years ago. The site is now a World Heritage Site and is looked after by Historic Scotland.
