Welcome

About the Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are located off the northern tip of Scotland where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Orkney is an archipelago of 70 or so islands and currently 21 of them are inhabited.

Population
The population of the islands is around 20,000 people, with approx 7,600 in capital of Kirkwall and 2,100 in the second largest town of Stromness.

Size
Orkney covers an area of 974 square kilometres, with more than half being taken up by the Mainland of Orkney. The islands are about 85km (53 miles) from north to south and 37km (23 miles) from east to west. The main island is known as the “Mainland”, with the south islands of Lamb Holm, Burray, Glimps Holm and South Ronaldsay being joined by the Churchill Barriers which were constructed during WW2. The outer islands are definitely worth a visit as each has its own unique character. To the North there is Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Westray, Eday, Sanday, Stronsay, Papa Westray, North Ronaldsay and to the South of the “Mainland” you’ll find Hoy, Graemsay and Flotta.