Orkney

I have been several times and recommend going by boat from Aberdeen, overnight journey which is easy, have dinner as soon as you board, then go to bed. Fly back to the mainland. I only came back by boat once, and it seemed jolly rough in the day time. The ferry from Aberdeen and Shetland runs several times a week and you can get air from four of the main airports in Scotland.

Orkney lies just north of mainland Scotland at around 59 N, and comprises over 70 islands of which 17 are inhabited by about 21,000 people. This is a bird lovers paradise, and is it Puffin heaven. You obtain see species you haven't seem before. It is most famous for its well preserved Neolithic monuments some of which are World Heritage status. Good local museums, the Highland Park distillery and St. Magnus Cathedral which is breathtaking. a 12th century masterpiece. There are no trees in the Orkneys, and it is always breezy. Never gets hot, you always need a jacket. Smashing wildflowers in the spring.

What I consider a must, is the Standing Stones and the Ring of Brodgar. There were 60 stones, 27 still standing, and my granny used to tell me that the people all believed that every New Year's Eve, they all walk down to the ocean to get their feet wet and its bad luck if you see them. Spooky to see them, and I always believed her. How did they put the stones there, 10 ft high.

Norway ruled the islands for many years and you will see the Scandinavian influence, no bagpipes, lots of violins, and outstanding fish dishes and cheese. This is the Herring capital of the world.

Lots of history from World War 1, when 74 German boats were sank, and in World War 11, when

the Germans in 1939 got a u-boat into Scapa Flow and torpedoed HMS Royal Oak with the loss of 833 crew. Up to 40,000 men where based in Orkney and today the three battleships and four cruisers are visited by scuba divers. The Italian prisoners in 1942 were given two Nissen huts and built a chapel which is one of the tourist attractions today.

Good hotels not posh, every bar has a good band of local musicans to keep you happy in the evening, and I think it is worth a visit if you want to go somewhere unusual.

Maureen Jones

Travel Consultant

650-961-2340 direct