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Orkney means seal islands and is a gathering of at least 70 islands, mostly lying low and green only 17 islands are inhabited. It is interesting to note that Oslo is closer than London. Centuries before the Norse invaders, early settlers erected monuments which survive today - cairns, brochs (round towers), tombs and standing stones. This is certainly an ancient place full of many wonders.

The main island is divided into West Mainland and East Mainland, the "mainland" of Scotland is off to the south and a different world. The capital city is Kirkwall, located between the two areas.

Orkney's most famous prehistoric site is the Stone Age village of Skara Brae. It was uncovered by a storm in 1850 and has stone furniture, hearths and drains and paints a vivid picture of life in Neolithic times.

Skaill House at Sandwick is one of Orkney's finest mansions with over four centuries of imposing architecture. The burial chamber of Maeshowe is also impressive. It dates back to around 2750BC (although it was pillaged by the Vikings some 3000 years later).

The Broch of Gurness was in continuous use from the Iron Age (1st Century AD) to the arrival of the Vikings. The Vikings may have built the long house on top of the broch and the grave of a Viking woman was found nearby. Tankerness House Museum (in the main town of Kirkwall) features displays covering 5000 years of island life. Also in Kirkwall is St Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 and one of Europe's best examples of Norman architecture.

The Ring of Brodgar is a magnificent prehistoric circle of 36 stones, surrounded by a deep ditch cut into solid bedrock. Good internal ferry and air links make excursions to the outer isles easy.





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