gap Home Help Scotland Speyside West Isles Search
Navigation toolbar
Home | Help | Scotland | Speyside | West Isles | Search

Orkney Islands

The Orkneys are a collection of some 70 islands 20 miles or so off the extreme north-east tip of Scotland, separated from the mainland by a wind-swept strip of water called the Pentland Firth.

The Orkneys are characterised by grassy moorland, an abundance of wind, a consequent dearth of trees and some of the most spectacular cliffs in the United Kingdom. The largest island, confusingly called Mainland is home to the islands' principal town, Kirkwall.

Nearby you will find Scotland's two most northerly distilleries - Highland Park and Scapa.

Back ...