The Orkney year should be seen rather as a stark drama of light and darkness. In June and July, at midnight the north is always red; the sun is just under the horizon; dawn mingles its fires with sunset. In midwinter the sun intrudes for only a few hours into the great darkness, but the January nights are magnificent - star-hung skies, the slow heavy swirling silk of the aurora borealis, the moon in a hundred waters: a silver plate, a broken honeycomb, a cluster of fireflies.

Orkney facts

The name Orkney is a corruption of the islands' Old Norse name - Orkneyjar.

Pronounced "orc-nee-yahr", the name is generally taken to mean Seal Islands.

The Orkney Islands have been inhabited for at least 5,500 years. Originally inhabited by Neolithic tribes and then by the Picts during the Iron Age, Orkney was invaded and finally annexed by Norway in 875AD and settled by the Norse. It was subsequently annexed to the Scottish Crown in 1472, following the failed payment of a dowry for James III's bride, Margaret of Denmark.

Orkney contains some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe.

Previous Guest comments

Orkney has woven its magic spell once again. The weather has been superb. We have visited all of the well loved and familiar haunts along cliff tops and amongst ancient stones and mounds. We have sampled the delights of many a cafe and watched seals playing in the water down at the point. The tides and the ferries came and went, and we could sit here and watch the ever changing sea. Yes, we have enjoyed staying here immensely. MORE

Orkney Accommodation

Dear Guest

Thank you for taking the time to look into a holiday in Orkney. I will try to give you a taste of what’s on offer but as so often said by visitors “we came for a week but could have stayed a year and still not have seen it all”.

Sue Manson

Orkney’s claim to be Scotland's 'secret jewel’ is well founded, of all the Scottish Islands; it has the widest range of attractions to offer the visitor.

There are marvelous walks along the dramatic cliff tops, and also quiet and excellent sandy beaches for lazy days in the sun. Loch fishing in Orkney is free and boat hire is available.

The islands have been steeped in history since prehistoric times. If you choose to holiday in either Franklin's View or Lilburn's Pier in Stromness or Scar in Hoy, you'll be renting traditional, stone built dwellings, which have been carefully restored and tastefully decorated by the owners to create cosy and comfortable holiday accommodation.

Franklin's View

Franklin's View has a charming and cosy atmosphere befitting of a holiday cottage. The open plan living and dinning area has a bright and airy feel which is encouraged by the large panoramic windows, looking over the rooftops to the Harbour and Scapa Flow. Franklin's View sleeps four between two bedrooms.

It boasts its own private and secluded garden with drying green and garden furniture (ideal for a BBQ or relaxing).

Local shops, restaurants and Hotels are only a short walk away, along the picturesque cobbled streets.

There is a museum and a library (with internet access) within five minutes walk.

To find out more visit our Franklin's View Orkney Accommodation page

Lilburn's Pier, Stromness

Lilburn’s Pier is an attractive traditional stone built “end to sea” house, situated on the waters edge, within the local conservation area of Stromness. It has its own private pier and slipway, offering spectacular views over the harbour to the Hoy Hills and Scapa Flow.

From your own Pier you can watch the fishing and diving boats leave each morning and return each evening. You can watch the sea birds and seals playing in the harbour, or fish for your supper.

The house was built at around the turn of the century as two separate dwelling houses, owned by local lobster fishermen who sailed of each morning from this very slipway. From the 1960’s until the 1990’s the house was the headquarters for the Orkney Fishermen’s Society, arranging the export of local shell fish to all over the world. Now it offers homely accommodation and sleeps 4 between two bedrooms.

To find out more visit our Lilburn's Pier Orkney Accommodation page

Scar in Hoy

Scar Cottage in Hoy is a recently renovated holiday cottage. High on the hill of Moor Fea, Scar is reachable by car and offers stunning views over the beautiful sandy Rackwick bay.

Fitted with modern appliances, five people can sleep between two bedrooms, and enjoy a luxurious and exhilarating outdoor holiday!

To find out more visit our Scar Cottage in Hoy page