Welcome to Orkney Ferries - operating between Orkney mainland and 13 smaller islands Orkney Ferries News Welcome to Orkney Ferries Our 9 dedicated Inter-Island ferries operate between Orkney's mainland and thirteen beautiful island destinations. If travelling by car, we advise you make vehicle reservations. You can view our up-to-date Online Timetables or Published Timetables . Foot passengers can travel on all ferries and can puchase tickets onboard. Keep track of our ferries' speed and direction . Orkney Islands | council area, Scotland, United Kingdom | Britannica.com Orkney Islands council area, Scotland, United Kingdom Written By: John Wood Oman Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and islets—only about 20 of which are inhabited—in Scotland , lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney. Ring of Brodgar, Mainland, Orkney Islands, Scot. John Mullen The Orkney Islands were the Orcades of ancient classical literature.

There remains much evidence of prehistoric occupation at various periods: underground houses, circles, standing stones, and earth houses. Skara Brae , an underground village on the west coast of the island of Mainland , is one of the most complete European relics of the late Neolithic Period; this location and several others on the island collectively were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Norse raiders arrived in the late 8th century and colonized the islands in the 9th century; thereafter the islands were ruled by Norway and Denmark. Celtic missionaries had arrived in the 7th century, but the Norsemen were not converted until much later. Kirkwall’s cathedral, dedicated to St. Magnus, was mainly built by Norsemen during the 12th century. Orkney and Shetland passed into Scottish rule in 1472 in compensation for the nonpayment of the dowry of Margaret of Denmark, queen of James III . The Orkney Islands were fashioned by glacial erosion of the underlying sandstone, limestone , and igneous rocks into low, undulating hills, covered extensively by glacial deposits. Westerly winds and gales account for the general scarcity of trees.

The largest of the islands is Mainland, or Pomona, which is divided into East Mainland and West Mainland; they are connected by a narrow strip of land about 2 miles (3 km) wide between Kirkwall and Scapa Flow . The streams are short, but trout fishing is good. The small islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay, to the south of East Mainland, are now joined to it by causeways constructed during World War II to prevent enemy submarines from entering the naval base at Scapa Flow. The second largest of the Orkney Islands, Hoy , lies south of West Mainland, along with smaller islands such as Graemsay, Flotta, and South Walls. To the north of Mainland, across the Wide Firth and Shapinsay Sound, lie Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay, Stronsay, Eday, Westray, Papa Westray, Sanday, North Ronaldsay, and several smaller islands. Britannica Stories Scientists Ponder Menopause in Killer Whales Orkney is a prosperous farming area despite its fragmentation.

Its farms are small and owner-occupied, averaging about 35 acres (14 hectares) and using modern mechanical methods to achieve high productivity. Each year more land is claimed for agriculture, but much peat and moor remain. The main agricultural products are beef cattle and eggs, although the raising of pigs and the production of milk (largely for cheese) have both greatly increased. Some fodder crops are grown, but much is imported. Because of the importance of agriculture, the fishing industry has not been developed to the same extent as in the neighbouring Shetland Islands. Exploitation of North Sea oil resulted in the construction and operation of a major landfall terminal for the Piper and Claymore oil fields at Flotta on Scapa Flow. This terminal, similar to another at Sullom Voe in Shetland, offers employment in an area where population had declined. Other oil-related activities in Orkney include a limited amount of offshore servicing and the operation of helicopter services from Kirkwall. There are only two towns on Mainland: Kirkwall , a royal burgh, and Stromness. Kirkwall is the islands’ largest town and their commercial and administrative centre. Both towns are picturesque, with narrow main streets.

In Kirkwall there are, in addition to St. Magnus Cathedral, several fine old houses and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace. Hoy | island, Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom | Britannica.com island, Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom Written By: British Isles Hoy, second largest of the Orkney Islands of northern Scotland , located 2 miles (3 km) west of the island of Mainland , across the Sound of Hoy. Hoy is a lofty island—its name means “High Island”—with a spectacularly indented coastline of red sandstone cliffs that reach heights of more than 1,000 feet (300 metres). The Old Man of Hoy, a detached pillar of rock 450 feet (137 metres) high, is a famous landmark. Hoy is 14 miles (23 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide with an area of 53 square miles (137 square km). Pop. (2001) 392. Old Man of Hoy, island of Hoy, Orkney Islands, Scot.

Grinner Orkney Islands group of more than 70 islands and islets—only about 20 of which are inhabited—in Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of... Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Island, Orkney Islands, Scotland, United Kingdom Tips for Editing Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context.

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You can’t keep me away from my favourite spot Hours of fun searching It'll keep the little ones occupied, while you relax and take in the sea air Step inside an ancient civilisation You'll be in touch with 5,000 years of Orkney's history at the famous Dwarfie Stane on Hoy We're all big kids at heart! With miles of white sandy beaches and stunning coastlines, you'll not resist the temptation to get your feet wet! What's On The outlying Islands of Orkney — Spirit of Orkney FLOTTA Flotta coastline The key to Scapa Flow , this island took a beating during the World War II air raids as the Germans, after bombing the naval defences, turned for home dumping their remaining bombs on the nearest island. Flotta oil terminal is one of the first landmarks to be seen as you reach the island. Built in 1976, this terminal processes crude oil from the Piper Platform. Rocket Batteries, remains of military coastal defences and piers provide a wealth of interest for the military enthusiast. Further information on Flotta including activities and places to visit.

HOY & GRAEMSAY Old Man of Hoy The landscape of Hoy is unique within the Orkney isles. It has steep and craggy hills, corries and glaciated valleys providing home to apline plants, seabirds and mammals. The Old Man of Hoy, a famous 450 foot sea stack has been a lure to climbers all over the world. Military history is represented at the Lyness Naval Base, Martello Towers and Longhope Battery. Lyness Naval Cemetary is the resting place for many heroes of World War II, including those of HMS Hampshire, Vanguard and Royal Oak . Graemsay is situated off the north eastern tip of Hoy. Walkers can explore the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches. A great place to picnic whilst watching the wild birds. Lighthouse enthusiasts will enjoy the visit to the two towers at the northern and south eastern approaches to the island. NORTH RONALDSAY North Ronaldsay Sheep The most remote of the Orkney Isles, being further north than the southern tip of Norway . Old traditions still hold strong and the native North Ronaldsay sheep are still grazed communally along the coastline. The meat from these sheep is now a prized delicacy.

being on the migration crossroads to Iceland and Greenland, the island of North Ronaldsay boasts a diverse population of migrant birds. Common and Grey Seals are numerous and porpoises can often be seen. Evidence of early settlement can be observed at the Bare of Stannabreck, Broch of Burrian and Howmae Brae, among others. Further information on North Ronaldsay . ROUSAY Fulmar Just north of the western mainland Rousay is grouped with the smaller islands of Egilsay, Wyre and Eynhallow. Rich in heritage, the Jacobean style Trumland House, belonging to the then Laird, General Sir Frederick William Traill-Burroughs, share the landscape with much older Iron and Stone Age brochs and cairns. Although Trumland House is not open to the public, there is an excellent visitor centre with restaurant, crafts and cycle facility. An RSPB moorland nature reserve is situated at the south eastern end of the island, offering long and short walks around the site. EGILSAY St Magnus Kirk The small island to the east of Rousay is home to the famous St.

Magnus Kirk, one of only two remaining examples of the distinctive round towered churches, built by the Vikings. An RSPB reserve has large numbers of breeding waders and meadows rich in wild flowers. WYRE Wyre is the southern island off Rousay and is famous for Cubbie Roo’s Castle , the stronghold of the Viking Chieftain, built around 1150 AD as well as the wonderfully preserved St. Mary’s Chapel. One of the greatest Scottish writers of the 20th Century, Edwin Muir , lived on the island for a while. EYNHALLOW The tiny island of Eynhallow is uninhabited now but is home to a fantastic 12th Century Monastic settlement and three prehistoric houses. SANDAY Start Point Lighthouse The largest of the northern Orkney Isles has sweeping bays with white sandy beaches. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with seals (Selkies) abundant on the shores and the wetlands. Farmland and meadows providing a welcome stop for migrant and visiting birds alike. The islands’ otter population is a rare sight.

Sanday has the best conditions for arable farming and this is evident from the 5000 years of prolific prehistoric and Viking archaeology. There are remains of military presence on the island and Sanday even boasts it’s own nine hole “ecological” golf course. Futher information on Sanday SHAPINSAY Coastal farmland Twenty five minutes crossing, just north of Kirkwall, Shapinsay has small areas of sea water completely shut off from the ocean by narrow tracts of land. Locally known as “Ayres”, these storm beaches are a great habitat for breeding birds and none more so then the RSPB Mill Dam reserve. Shapinsay has it’s share of archaeology in the form of cists, mounds, brochs and underground structures. As the ferry approaches the south western shore, the towers of the Victorian Balfour Castle dominate the view. Further information on Shapinsay STRONSAY Grey Seals One of the most easterly positioned islands, Stronsay is about seven miles long and is eaten into by three large bays. Abounding with bird life throughout the year.

Now well know as one of the best sites in Europe for rare migrants, the Stronsay Bird Reserve is owned and run by bird artist John Holloway and his family. Two tiny outlaying islands of Linga Holm and Holm of Huip are important breeding grounds for Atlantic Grey Seals and Greylag Geese . Much of the archaeology on Stronsay and the surrounding islands has been well preserved, including one of Orkney’s earliest chambered tombs dating from 3000 BC or earlier. Papa Stronsay sits just off the north eastern aspect of Stronsay and was home to Orkney’s monks. Earl Rognvald Brusason was murdered here in 1046 by the supporters of Thorfinn the Mighty. Further information on Stronsay WESTRAY Noup Head The spectacular sea cliffs, rocky shores and sandy beaches provide some great coastal walks where wildlife abounds. Apart from the sea birds, Seals, Dolphins, Whales and Basking Sharks can often be seen. Between late April and July the curious little puffins make their home in the cliffs.

Outlying small islands of Rusk Holm, Holm are important breeding sites for Grey Seals whilst Holm of Aikerness is a good site to see Common Seal pups in June and is home to 150 North Ronaldsay sheep. Further information on Westray PAPA WESTRAY Knapp of Howar The shortest scheduled flight in the world exists between Westray and Papa Westray (shorter than the main runway at Heathrow Airport). Papa Westray or Papay is home to the oldest house in northern Europe at the Knap of Howar. These well preserved buildings were home to neolithic farmers over 5000 years ago, before the ancient pyramids of Egypt were built. St. Boniface Kirk is one of the oldest Chirstian sites in northern Scotland. It’s 12th Century stonework has been restored over the years. Holland Farm was home to the Lairds of the island for three centuries. This Traill family home features a doo’cot , mill tramp and corn drying kiln. BURRAY Sanctuary of the Italian Chapel The island of Burray lies to the north of South Ronaldsay, the two islands are connected by the 4th Churchill Barrier.

Burray has lovely sandy beaches and is a centre for many water sports including: diving, canoeing, sailing and water skiing. The various habitats such as heathland, beaches, lochs, cliffs and rocks are home to a wide variety of birds. Common and Grey Seals are often be seen. Burray is also connected by the Churchill Barriers to the two smaller islands of glimps Holm and Lamb Holm, the latter of which can be found the stunning Itailan Chapel (La chiesetta italiana di Orkney). Further information on Burray SOUTH RONALDSAY Churchill Barriers The most southerly of the Orkney Isles is often the first that ferry passengers see, as they disembark at St. Margarets, Hope. South Ronaldsay is the nearest Orkney Island to Scotland, just 6.5 miles across the Pentland Firth from John O’Groats. The main town is the picturesque village of St. Margarets Hope, laying in a sheltered bay with houses around the shore. Beeches have wonderful white sand with many sea birds visible on the coastline and shores.

South Ronaldsay is linked to the mainland via Burray, Lamb Home and Glimps Home by the Churchill Barriers. Further information on South Ronaldsay Share this: GENUKI: Orkney, Orkney Statistics "The Orkney Islands. Lying off the northern coast of Scotland, Orkney consists of a group of almost treeless, gently rolling islands separated from the mainland by the Pentland Firth. The islands lie between the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and cover an area of 376 square miles. There are roughly 70 islands but only 17 are inhabited. Kirkwall, the county's main town, is on the largest island, The Mainland. The town is the site of the magnificent 12th century cathedral of St. Magnus and the ruins of the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces. The next largest islands are Hoy, Westray, Sanday, and Stronsay. Warm ocean currents give the islands the mild climate that makes them one of Scotland's most productive farming areas, with beef cattle being the main product. Fishing is also a highly significant industry but recently tourism has overtaken both it and farming in terms of earnings.

The discovery of oil beneath the North Sea led to the construction of a pipeline terminal on Flotta, one of the islands that surround the sheltered harbour of Scapa Flow. A causeway links the southern islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay to the Mainland of Orkney. Remains of prehistoric origin are to be found in abundance. They include burial chambers and rings of standing stones as well as the Stone Age village of Skara Brae which has been designated a World Heritage Site. Viking raiders arrived from Norway 1200 years ago and colonized the islands but they came under Scottish rule in 1472 when, along with Shetland, they were ceded to Scotland in lieu of a wedding dowry." From "Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia", 1996. The following are "popular" books and guides on Orkney which are currently "in print". Each addresses the local prehistory, history, topography and customs, and include at least one map. The Orkney Book edited by Donald Omand: 306pp: Published by Birlinn in 2003.

This recently published book covers not only Orkney's colourful history but also the geology, literature, industry, architecture, geography, customs, and folklore of the islands. The Orkney Guide Book by Charles Tait. Published by the author 2001, update of 1997 edition. 254pp. The current, comprehensive and full-colour tourist guide book. Orkney - A Historical Guide by Caroline Wickham Jones. Published 1998 by Birlinn, Edinburgh. 236pp. A guide to 145 sites; good on archaeology. Orkney by Patrick Bailey. Published 1971, 1974, 1984, 1995 by David and Charles as one of their "Island Series". 245pp. Possibly the most widely read book on Orkney. See also a Bibliography of older Books and Guides on Orkney . More specialist bibliographies are listed on other pages of this site, including the individual pages for Orkney Parishes and Islands . All these bibliographies list selections made by James Irvine from the numerous publications on various aspects of Orkney life and history.

They are listed in reverse order of publication, to reflect the generally increasing difficulty in obtaining copies and lessening historical accuracy. Most of the publications listed can be viewed in The Orkney Room of Kirkwall Library and in national libraries, and many in good city and university libraries. The Orcadian Bookshop stocks a large selection of books about Orkney. Amazon also offers a selection of books about Orkney. The censuses for Orkney (1841-1901) can be accessed at the Orkney Archives, Kirkwall. Print-outs are available. The Orkney Family History Society has all the Orkney census returns on computer at their office at 44 Junction Rd, Kirkwall, Orkney. KW15 1AG, Scotland . For most parishes there are seven censuses, 1841-1901, but for Deerness, Orphir, St. Andrews, Sandwick, South Ronaldsay & Burray, and Stromness there is also a census taken in 1821. Printed copies of the Orkney censuses are available for purchase from the Orkney Family History Society.

In Scotland, research can be done at the General Register Office for Scotland in New Register House, Edinburgh. Census records for 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 are also available online on the Scotland's People website. Images of the actual entries in the census books are included with the 1871, 1891 and 1901 censuses. A project called FreeCEN is undertaking the transcription of all the 19th century censuses so that they can be made accessible online. This is a very worthy project which will be of great help to all genealogists. The Orkney part of this project needs your help. For further details please take a look at the website dealing with the Scottish part of the project. Census records for the years 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 have been microfilmed and can be accessed at LDS Family History Centres around the world.

The 1881 census for Orkney is available on microfiche at LDS Family History Centres. It consists of computer-output microfiches produced as a joint project of the Federation of Family History Societies and the Genealogical Society of Utah. The term "strays" in the listing below refers to people born in one location but living in another at the time of the census. In the birthplace and census place indexes, entries with the same surname are arranged alphabetically by place.

Surname index, (2 fiches), Fiche #6086634 Birthplace [strays] index, (2 fiches), Fiche #6086635 Census Place Index, (2 fiches), Fiche #6086636 Census as enumerated, (2 fiches), Fiche #6086637 Miscellaneous notes, (1 fiche), Fiche #6086638 List of Institutions, (1 fiche), Fiche #6086639 Transcripts and indexes to some of the census records of Orkney are now available on microfiche, transcribed and edited by David Armstrong, a member of the Western Australian and Ontario Genealogy Societies, as well as the Orkney Family History Society. Available are: 1821 census: Deerness, Orphir, St. Andrews, Sandwick, South Ronaldsay & Burray, Stromness.

1851 census: Birsay, Deerness, Eday & Pharay, Evie and Rendall, Firth and Stenness, Harray, Holm & Paplay, Hoy and Graemsay, Kirkwall & St. Ola, Orphir, St. Andrews, Sandwick, South Ronaldsay & Burray, Stromness, Walls and Flotta, Westray & Papa Westray. The 1821 census returns for South Ronaldsay & Burray can be accessed online. This website includes a full index and access to scanned images of the census pages. In addition to census returns, Orkney's inhabitants were listed in various other records. Landowners and houseowners were listed in Valuation Rolls published annually since 1855. Voters Rolls were published in Peace's Almanac from 1867-1916. Landowners were listed in Land Tax returns published for 1653 by the Orcadian in July-Sept. 1888, and for 1771 by The Scottish Record Society in 1976. Many landowners and tenants were listed in Estate Rentals (see Land and Ownership).

Communicants were listed in some 19th century Kirk Session records (see Church Records). Copies of a list of the poor of 1801 are held by Orkney Archives and by the Orkney Family History Society. Valuation Rolls, Voters' Rolls, Church records, and Peace's Almanacs can be accessed at the Orkney Library, Kirkwall. The Eighteenth-Century Church in Orkney: by William P. L. Thomson. Published 1989 in Light in the North pp57-80. Background to Kirk Session Records. Separations and Unions in the Church of Scotland: by Archibald MacWhirter. Published 1956 in Orkney Miscellany iii, pp26-33. Explains why Orkney had over 70 congregations at the end of the 19th century. Fifteen Centuries of the Church in Orkney: by Rev Andrew J. Campbell. Published Kirkwall 1938. 113pp. A concise overview. The Church in Orkney: by John Smith. Published Kirkwall 1907. 360pp.

Biographical notes on all the Orcadian clergy, many with genealogical data as well. Orkney Baptist Churches: by Rev Henry Harcus. Published 1898. History of the Episcopal Church in Orkney 1688-1912: by Rev James B. Craven. Published 1912. History of the Church in Orkney 1662-1688: by Rev James B. Craven. Published 1893. History of the Church in Orkney 1558-1662: by Rev James B. Craven. Published 1897. History of the Church in Orkney prior to 1588: by Rev James B. Craven. Published 1901 The classic work, with references to individual parishioners. Circle of Light: The Catholic Church in Orkney Since 1560: by Alison Gray.

Published John Donald, Edinburgh, 2000 Authors: Margaret Flaws and Gregor Lamb Published Kirkwall 1996 ISBN 0 9529324 0 7 The Orkney Norn Author: Hugh Marwick Originally published in 1929, reprinted by Brinnovenn Publishing, 207 p., ISBN: 0-899851-02-X. The Orkney Norn is the most authoritative work ever published on the Orcadian language. In addition to a dictionary of Norn words this book also contains a history of the Orkney Norn tracing its phonological development from Old Norse, fragments of old rhymes and riddles, an examination of the 12th-century Maeshow runes and printed specimens of Orkney Norn from the 14th and 15th centuries. Orcadian Sketch Book: Author: Walter T Dennison. Published 1880. First publication in Orkney dialect, and an excellent authority on folklore and customs.

The Orcadian Hell's Half Acre, Hatston, Kirkwall, Orkney Published since 1854, this weekly newspaper contains news and advertisements of Orkney, as well as notices of births, marriages and deaths (infrequent in 19th.and early 20th. centuries), and a "Postbag" section that sometimes contains genealogical queries. Write to the Orcadian to have your letter printed. The Orcadian Bookshop stocks a large selection of books about Orkney. Orkney Today is the county's first new weekly newspaper in 42 years, and was launched in October 2003. The Visitor Downloads section of their website includes some useful tips for genealogists planning a visit Orkney. Another paper, The Orkney Herald, was published from 1860-1961. The Orkney Archives have a card index for this paper covering the period 1919-1933.

They also have microfilms available of these two newspapers, and of The Orkney Blast (a newspaper for the Forces, 1941-1940), Orkney & Shetland American (1887-1895), The Northman (1875-1895), Orkney & Shetland Journal (1838-1839), The John O'Groats Journal (1836-1855) and Orkney and Zetland Chronicle (1824-1826). For a brief period there was also a newspaper entitled the Stromness News (29 Feb. - 1 Aug. 1884). Orkney - Accommodation, Attractions & Holidays | VisitScotland Greater Glasgow and The Clyde Valley The Highlands Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley Orkney Orkney Destinations and maps Add to basket Remove from basket Plus Minus Add to trip planner Remove from trip planner Orkney Come to Orkney for the wildlife, the beaches and the history, and we reckon that you'll fall for the culture and the creativity too.

This archipelago of around 70 islands lies north of mainland Scotland and was voted one of the UK's top 10 islands in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which is no mean feat! Island life With a unique culture and history, Orkney has a strong identity of its own. The largest island, and also the most populated, is known as the Mainland. On the East Mainland coast lies Kirkwall , the ancient capital of Orkney, with its Viking cathedral, fishing port and distillery. The archipelago's other main port and town, Stromness, is located in the south of West Mainland. It's a highly creative place with many crafty gift shops and art galleries amongst its old, winding streets. Walk like an Egyptian Did you know that the island of Rousay is known as the 'Egypt of The North' because it's home to over 150 archaeological sites, including a 5,000 year old chambered tomb?

In fact, the ancient settlement of Skara Brae on the Mainland is older than the Pyramids, and, together with the dramatic Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. And that's just one aspect of Orkney's fascinating history. Back to nature Award-winning beaches, fantastic wildlife, dramatic sea stacks and rugged cliffs - what more could you want? Let's take a closer look: Nice and beachy - when you see the white sands and turquoise waters of Orkney's beaches, you might mistakenly think you're in the Caribbean. Puffins, fulmars and rare birds - Orkney happens to be on one of the busiest flight paths for migrating birds, with tens of thousands of birds and hundreds of species spotted each year. All going swimmingly - porpoises, dolphins, whales and other sealife can be spotted on and around Orkney's shores, and underwater creatures can be found in rock pools and on dives too.

Rocking through the ages - there are rugged cliffs, deep caves, rocky skerries and dramatic sea stacks to be seen, and sometimes climbed, dotted along hundreds of miles of coast. Northern lights - Orkney is considered to be one of the best places in the UK to see the magical Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights . Extra info Orkney Orkney Coat of arms Location Geography Area Ranked 16th - Total 382 sq mi ( 990 km²) - % Water ? Admin HQ Kirkwall ISO 3166-2 GB-ORK ONS code 00RA Demographics Population Ranked 32nd - Total (2006 ) 20 /km² (52 /sq mi) Politics Orkney Islands Council Control Independent MPs MSPs Liam McArthur Orkney (Orkneys or Orkney Islands, 'Árcaibh' in Gaelic) is an archipelago in northern Scotland , situated 10 miles (16 km) north of the coast of Caithness. Orkney comprises over 70 islands; around 20 are inhabited.

The largest island, known as " Mainland," has an area of 202 sq mi (523 km²), making it the sixth-largest Scottish island and the tenth-largest island in the British Isles . The largest settlement and administrative centre is Kirkwall. Orkney is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, a constituency of the Scottish Parliament, a lieutenancy area, and a former county. The local council is Orkney Islands Council, the only Council in Scotland in which all the elected members are independent. Orkney has been inhabited for at least 5,500 years. Originally inhabited by neolithic tribes and then by the Picts , Orkney was invaded and finally annexed by Norway in 875 and settled by the Norse. It was subsequently re-annexed to the Scottish Crown in 1472, following the failed payment of a dowry agreement. Orkney contains some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe , and the " Heart of Neolithic Orkney" is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Origin of the name The name of the islands is first recorded by the ancient geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus (born AD 90, died AD 168), who called them Orcades. The old Gaelic name for the islands was Insi Orc which means the "Island of the Orcs". An orc is a young pig or boar. When the Norwegian Vikings arrived on the islands they interpreted the word orc to be orkn which is Old Norse for pinnipeds or common seal. The suffix ey means island. Thus the name became Orkneyjar which was shortened to Orkney in English. History Ring of Brodgar Prehistory and Iron Age A charred hazelnut shell, recovered during the excavations at Longhowe in Tankerness in 2007, has been dated to 6820-6660 BC. Apart from this, the earliest known settlement is at Knap of Howar, a Neolithic farmstead on the island of Papa Westray. It dates from 3500 BC. The village of Skara Brae, Europe's best-preserved Neolithic settlement, is believed to have been inhabited from around 3100 BC.

Other remains from that era include the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Maeshowe passage grave, the Ring of Brodgar and other standing stones. Many of the Neolithic settlements were abandoned around 2500 BC due to changes in the climate. The Iron Age inhabitants were Picts , evidence of whose occupation still exists in " weems" or underground houses, and " brochs" or round towers, such as the Broch of Gurness. During the Roman invasion of Britain the "King of Orkney" was one of 11 British leaders who submitted to the Emperor Claudius in AD 43 at Colchester. If, as seems likely, the Dalriadic Gaels established a footing in the islands towards the beginning of the 6th century, their success was short-lived, and the Picts regained power and kept it until dispossessed by the Norsemen in the 9th century. In the wake of the Scots, incursionists followed the Celtic missionaries about 565. They were companions of Saint Columba and their efforts to convert the folk to Christianity seem to have impressed the popular imagination, for several islands bear the epithet "Papa" in commemoration of the preachers.

Norwegian rule Harald Hårfagre took control over Orkney in 875 Orkney and Shetland saw a significant influx of Norwegian settlers towards the end of the 8th century and first half of the 9th century. This was due to the overpopulation of Norway in comparison to the resources and arable land available there at the time. History once held that the Norwegians largely replaced the original population on the islands, the Picts , though contemporary DNA studies refute this, suggesting instead a slight majority of aboriginal Pictish genes. The nature of the shift in population is the subject of differing theories as little hard evidence remains. These theories range from complete genocide to intermarriage and cultural domination through a gradual majority dominance. According to Dr. Jim Wilson, an Edinburgh scientist with a company named EthnoAncestry, archaeogenetic evidence suggests that "Vikings, who colonised Orkney, did so by eradicating nearly every male member of its Pictish population" (Observer, Dec. 31, 2006).

Vikings having made the islands the headquarters of their buccaneering expeditions (carried out indifferently against their own Norway and the coasts and isles of Scotland), Harald Hårfagre ("Harald Fair Hair") subdued the rovers in 875 and annexed both Orkney and Shetland to Norway. Ragnvald, Earl of Møre received Orkney and Shetland as an earldom from the king as reparation for his son being killed in battle in Scotland. Ragnvald gave the earldom on to his brother Sigurd the Mighty. Eirik Bloodaxe followed his father on the throne, but when his half-brother Håkon the Good returned to Norway from England Eirik's support disappeared and he fled the country. He was given Nordimbraland ( Northumberland) as a fief by King Athelstan of England and settled in Jorvik ( York ), but was expelled by Athelstan's brother Edmund in 941 because of his raids in Ireland and Brittany. Eirik fled to Orkney and lived there until he was killed in the Battle of Stainmore in England in 954.

His sons continued to live on Orkney and challenged Håkon the Good's rule of Norway several times under the leadership of Harald Greyhide. The sons of Eirik eventually gained control of Norway. Olav Tryggvason Christianized Orkney. Painting by Peter Nicolai Arbo The islands were Christianized by Olav Tryggvasson in 995 when he stopped in the islands on his way from Ireland to Norway. The King summoned Sigurd jarl (Earl Sigurd) and ordered him to let himself be baptised in the Christian faith. Sigurd was unwilling, but gave in when the King threatened to kill his son Hvelp. The islands received their own bishop in the early 1000s. From 1153 to 1472 the Kirkjuvåg bishopric was subordinate to the archbishop of Nidaros (today's Trondheim). The martyrdom of Earl Magnus resulted in the building of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. The islands remained under the rule of Norse earls until 1231, when the line of the jarls became extinct.

In that year, the Earldom of Caithness was granted to Magnus, second son of the Earl of Angus, whom the king of Norway apparently confirmed in the title. Recent studies from the field of population genetics reveal a significant percentage of Norse ethnic heritage — up to one third of the Y chromosomes on the islands are derived from western Norwegian sources, whereas in Shetland over half the male lineage is Norse. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall The Norðr-eyjar Likewise a Norse kingdom, the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles existed in the British Isles from 1079 till 1266. In 1164 it was split into the Kingdom of the Hebrides (Sodor) and the Kingdom of Mann. Sodor (Suðr-eyjar), or the South Isles, was given in contradistinction to Nordr (Norðr-eyjar), or the North Isles, i. e. the Orkneys and Shetlands , and it included the Hebrides , all the smaller Western Isles of Scotland , and Mann. (ð is pronounced th as in father). (Ref.

to Manxnotebook) Even today, the Bishop of the Isle of Man is the Bishop of Sodor and Mann Scottish rule James III and Margaret, their betrothal led to Orkney passing from Norway to Scotland In 1468, Orkney and Shetland were pledged by Christian I, in his capacity as king of Norway, as security against the payment of the dowry of his daughter Margaret, betrothed to James III of Scotland. The cash dowry was never paid, so the islands were forfeited to the Crown of Scotland. In 1471, James bestowed the castle and lands of Ravenscraig, in Fife, on William, Earl of Orkney, in exchange for all his rights to the Earldom of Orkney, which, by an Act of the Parliament of Scotland, passed on February 20, 1472, was annexed to the Scottish Crown. Modern Orkney Orkney was the site of a major Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow, which played a major role in both World War I and II .

After the Armistice in 1918, the German High Seas Fleet was transferred in its entirety to Scapa Flow while a decision was to be made on its future; however, the German sailors opened their sea-cocks and scuttled all the ships. Most ships were salvaged, but the remaining wrecks are now a favoured haunt of recreational divers. One month into World War II , the Royal Navy battleship HMS Royal Oak was sunk by a German U-boat in Scapa Flow. As a result barriers were built to close most of the access channels; these had the additional advantage of creating causeways whereby travellers can go from island to island by road instead of being obliged to rely on boats. The causeways were constructed by Italian prisoners of war, who also constructed the ornate Italian Chapel. Islands The Mainland Stromness, on Mainland, is the 2nd largest settlement on Orkney The Mainland is the largest island of Orkney. Both of Orkney's burghs, Kirkwall and Stromness, are on this island, which is also the heart of Orkney's transportation system, with ferry and air connections to the other islands and to the outside world.

The island is more densely populated (75% of Orkney's population) than the other islands and has much fertile farmland . The name Mainland is a corruption of the Old Norse 'Meginland'. Kirkwall lies on a narrow strip of land between West Mainland (the major portion) and East Mainland. The island is mostly low-lying (especially East Mainland), but with coastal cliffs to the north and west and two sizeable lochs . Mainland contains the remnants of numerous Neolithic, Pictish and Viking constructions. The Neolithic constructions include two major stone circles; Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar; several cairns, most notably Maeshowe; and a stone-built settlement Skara Brae. With two exceptions, the other islands in the group are classified as north or south of the Mainland. The exceptions are the remote islets of Sule Skerry and Sule Stack, which lie 37 miles (60 km) west of the archipelago, but officially form part of Orkney. The North Isles The northern group of islands is the most extensive and consists of a large number of moderately sized islands, linked to the Mainland by ferries.

Most of the islands described as " holms" are very small. Inhabited islands Auskerry is south of Stronsay and has a population of 5 (2001 census). It has been designated a Special Protection Area due to its importance as a nesting area for Arctic Tern and Storm Petrel. Eday extends to 11 square miles (28 km²); it is the 9th largest island. The centre is moorland and the island's main industries have been peat extraction and limestone quarrying. It is connected to the Mainland by ferry (Backaland to Kirkwall) and air. Egilsay lies east of Rousay. It is largely farmland and is known for its corncrakes, although none have been seen for a number of years, and for the only surviving, but roofless, round-towered church in Orkney. It is connected indirectly with the Mainland by ferry via Wyre and Rousay. St Magnus is said to have been executed on Egilsay. Gairsay is inhabited by one family, who issue their own postage stamps (permitted due to the lack of a Royal Mail service).

North Ronaldsay lies 2.5 miles (4 km) north of its nearest neighbour, Sanday. Its climate is changeable and frequently inclement, with the surrounding waters being stormy and treacherous. Of significance are a bird observatory, Britain's tallest land based lighthouse tower and an unusual dry stane dyke along the shoreline built to keep the seaweed eating North Ronaldsay sheep off of the arable land. It is connected to the Mainland by air and ferry. Papa Stronsay lies north east of Stronsay. A fertile island, it was once an important centre for herring curing, but was abandoned in the 1970s. It is has been home to a Transalpine Redemptorist monastery (called Golgotha monastery) since 1999. Papa Westray, also known as Papay, has a population of 70. Of significance are an RSPB nature reserve (terns and skuas), the Knap of Howar (probably the oldest preserved house in northern Europe), a 12th century recently restored church (St Boniface Kirk) and other neolithic and Viking remains.

It is connected to Westray and the Mainland by air and ferry. Rousay is the joint 3rd largest (19 sq mi / 49 km²) island about 2 miles (3 km) north of Orkney's Mainland. In the 2001 census, it had a population of 212. Farming, fishing, fish-farming, craft and tourism provide most of the income. There is one circular road round the island, about 14 miles (23 km) long, and most arable land lies in the few hundred yards between this and the coastline. Seals and otters can be found as can many remains of past occupation. Sanday is the largest of the North Isles, with a population of approximately 500. As with most other Orkney islands, farming, fishing and tourism are the main sources of income. Attractions include the 5,000-year-old Quoyness chambered cairn. Shapinsay is the 8th largest island at 12 square miles (31 km²). It is connected to the Mainland by ferry (Balfour to Kirkwall).

Shapinsay is known for the Iron Age Broch of Burroughston and the Dishan Tower, sea caves and cliffs, for birds including pintail, wigeon and shovelers, and Balfour Castle. Stronsay has a population of 343 and is the 7th largest island. Its main village is Whitehall. Westray has a population of 550 and is the 6th largest island. It is connected by ferry and air to Mainland and Papa Westray. Wyre lies south-east of Rousay and has a population of about 18. Cubbie Roo's castle (1150) is possibly the oldest castle in Scotland. Others Calf of Eday, Damsay, Eynhallow, Faray, Helliar Holm, Holm of Faray, Holm of Huip, Holm of Papa, Holm of Scockness, Kili Holm, Linga Holm, Muckle Green Holm, Rusk Holm, Sweyn Holm The South Isles The southern group of islands surrounds Scapa Flow.

Hoy is the highest of the Orkney Isles, while South Ronaldsay, Burray and Lamb Holm are linked to the Mainland by the Churchill Barriers. The Pentland Skerries lie further south, close to the Scottish mainland. Inhabited islands Hoy Lighthouse on Graemsay Burray lies to the east of Scapa Flow and is linked by causesway to Glimps Holm and South Ronaldsay. It is home to the Orkney Fossil Museum and has a population of 357 (2001 census). Flotta is known for its large oil terminal and is linked by ferry to Houton across the Scapa Flow on the Mainland, and to Lyness and Longhope on Hoy. During the both World Wars the island was home to a naval base. Graemsay has a population of around 30. Birds include oystercatchers, ringed plovers, redshank and curlew. it is linked by ferry to Stromness on the Mainland and Moaness on Hoy. Hoy with an area of 55 square miles (142 km²) is the second largest island.

Significant features are the highest vertical sea-cliffs in the UK, the Old Man of Hoy, the most northerly surviving natural woodland in the British Isles, the most northerly Martello Towers, the highest point in Orkney, the main naval base for Scapa Flow in both World Wars, an unusual rock-cut tomb and an RSPB reserve (skuas and red-throated divers) South Ronaldsay is linked by causeway to Burray. With an area of 19 square miles (49 km²) it is the joint third largest island. Of significance are Boys' Ploughing Match, the Tomb of the Eagles (neolithic). It is connected by ferry to the Scottish mainland (Burwick to John o' Groats and St. Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay). South Walls has a population of 120 and is sometimes considered to be part of Hoy, to which it is linked by the Ayre. It forms the south side of Longhope harbour.

Others Calf of Flotta, Cava, Copinsay, Corn Holm, Fara, Glims Holm, Hunda, Lamb Holm (home of the Italian Chapel), Rysa Little, Switha, Swona Politics Orkney is represented in the House of Commons as part of the Orkney and Shetland constituency, which elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election. The current MP is Alistair Carmichael of the Liberal Democrats . In the Scottish Parliament the Orkney constituency elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post system. The current MSP is Liam McArthur of the Liberal Democrats. Before McArthur the MSP was Jim Wallace, who was previously Deputy First Minister. Orkney is within the Highlands and Islands electoral region. Orkney Islands Council consists of 21 members, all of whom are independent, that is they are not members of a political party.

The Orkney Movement, a political party that supported devolution for Orkney from the rest of Scotland contested the 1987 UK general election as the Orkney and Shetland Movement (a coalition of the Orkney movement and its equivalent for Shetland). The Scottish National Party chose not to contest the seat to give the movement a "free run". Their candidate, John Goodlad, came 4th with 3,095 votes, 14.5% of the those cast but the experiment has not been repeated. Geography Orkney Aerial photomap The Pentland Firth is a seaway which separates Orkney from the mainland of Scotland. The firth is 6.8 miles (11 km) wide between Brough Ness on the island of South Ronaldsay and Duncansby Head in Caithness.

Orkney lies between 58° 41' and 59° 24' North, and 2° 22' and 3° 26' West, measuring 50 miles (80 km) from northeast to southwest and 29 miles (47 km) from east to west, and covers 375 square miles (971 km²). Except for some sharply rising sandstone hills and rugged cliffs on the west of the larger ones, the islands are mainly lowlying. The hilliest island is Hoy; the highest point in Orkney, Ward Hill, is to be found there. The only other islands containing heights of any importance are the Mainland, with (another) Ward Hill (879 ft/268 m) and Wideford Hill; and Rousay. Nearly all of the islands have lochs (lakes): The Loch of Harray and the Loch of Stenness on the Mainland attain noteworthy proportions. The rivers are merely streams draining the high land.

Excepting on the west fronts of the Mainland, Hoy and Rousay, the coastline of the islands is deeply indented, and the islands themselves are divided from each other by straits generally called "sounds" or "firths". However, off the northeast of Hoy the designation "Bring Deeps" is used. South of the Mainland is Scapa Flow and to the southwest of Eday is found the Fall of Warness. The names of the islands indicate their nature: the terminal "a" or "ay" represents the Norse ey, meaning "island". The islets are usually styled "holms" and the isolated rocks "skerries". The tidal currents, or races, or "roosts" (as some of them are called locally, from the Norn) off many of the isles run with high velocity, and whirlpools are of frequent occurrence, occasionally strong enough to prove a source of danger to small craft. The islands are notable for the absence of trees, which is partly accounted for by the amount of wind.

The formation of peat is evidence that this was not always the case, and deliberate deforestation is believed to have taken place at some stage prior to the Neolithic, the use of stone in settlements such as Skara Brae being evidence of the lack of availability of timber for building. Most of the land is taken up by farms, and agriculture is by far the most important sector of the economy, with fishing also being a major occupation. Orkney exports beef , cheese , whisky , beer , fish and seafood. Geology The Old Man of Hoy The superficial rock is almost entirely Old Red Sandstone. As in the neighbouring mainland county of Caithness, these rocks rest upon the metamorphic rocks of the eastern schists, as may be seen on Mainland, where a narrow strip is exposed between Stromness and Inganess, and again in the small island of Graemsay; they are represented by grey gneiss and granite . The upper division of the Old Red Sandstone is found only on Hoy, where it forms the Old Man of Hoy and neighbouring cliffs on the northwest coast.

The Old Man of Hoy presents a characteristic section, for it exhibits a thick pile of massive, current-bedded red sandstones resting upon a thin bed of amygdaloidal porphyrite near the foot of the pinnacle. This, in its turn, lies unconformably upon steeply inclined flagstones. This bed of volcanic rock may be followed northward in the cliffs, and it may be noticed that it thickens considerably in that direction. The Lower Old Red Sandstone is represented by well-bedded flagstones over most of the islands; in the south of the Mainland these are faulted against an overlying series of massive red sandstones, but a gradual passage from the flagstones to the sandstones may be followed from Westray southeastwards into Eday. A strong synclinal fold traverses Eday and Shapinsay, the axis being North and South. Near Haco's Ness in Shapinsay there is a small exposure of amygdaloidal diabase, which is older than that on Hoy.

Many indications of ice action are found on these islands; striated surfaces are to be seen on the cliffs in Eday and Westray, in Kirkwall Bay and on Stennie Hill in Eday; boulder clay , with marine shells, and with many boulders of rocks foreign to the islands ( chalk, oolitic limestone, flint, etc), which must have been brought up from the region of Moray Firth, rests upon the old strata in many places. Local moraines are found in some of the valleys in Mainland and Hoy. Climate The climate is remarkably temperate and steady for such a northerly latitude. The average temperature for the year is 8 °C (46 °F), for winter 4 °C (39 °F) and for summer 12 °C (54 °F). The average annual rainfall varies from 850 mm (33 in) to 940 mm (37 in). Fogs occur during summer and early autumn, and furious gales may be expected four or five times in the year. To tourists, one of the fascinations of the islands is their nightless summers.

On the longest day, the sun rises at 03:00 and sets at 21:29 GMT and darkness is unknown. It is possible to read at midnight and very few stars can be seen in the night sky. Winter, however, is long. On the shortest day the sun rises at 09:05 and sets at 15:16. The soil generally is a sandy loam or a strong but friable clay, and very fertile. Large quantities of seaweed as well as lime and marl are available for manure. Economy The woollen trade once promised to reach considerable dimensions, but towards the end of the 18th century was superseded by the linen (for which flax came to be largely grown); and when this in turn collapsed before the products of the mills of Dundee , Dunfermline and Glasgow , straw-plaiting was taken up, though only to be killed in due time by the competition of the south. The kelp industry was formerly of at least minor importance.

For several centuries the Dutch practically monopolised the herring fishery, but when their supremacy was destroyed by the salt duty, the Orcadians failed to seize the opportunity thus presented, and George Barry (died 1805) recorded that in his day the fisheries were almost totally neglected. The industry, however, revived, concentrating on herring, cod and ling, but also catching lobsters and crabs. In the 17th century, Orcadians formed the overwhelming majority of employees of the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada. The harsh climate of the Orkneys and the Orcadian reputation for sobriety made them ideal candidates for the rigours of the Canadian north. Today, many of the Métis people of western Canada trace their history to the Orkneys. In recent years, the Orkney economy has seen growth in areas other than the traditional agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing. These include tourism; food and beverage manufacture; jewellery, knitwear, and other crafts production; construction; and oil transportation through the Flotta oil terminal. Public services also play a significant role. Orkney has significant wind, and marine energy resources and renewable energy has recently come into prominence.

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) is a Scottish Government-backed research facility that has installed a wave testing system at Billia Croo on the Orkney mainland and a tidal power testing station on the nearby island of Eday. At the official opening of the Eday project the site was described as "the first of its kind in the world set up to provide developers of wave and tidal energy devices with a purpose-built performance testing facility.". Funding for the UK's first wave farm was announced by the Scottish Government in 2007. It will be the world's largest, with a capacity of 3 MW generated by four Pelamis machines at a cost of over £4 million. During 2007 Scottish and Southern Energy plc in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde began the implementation of a 'Regional Power Zone' in the Orkney archipelago. This ground-breaking scheme (that may be the first of its kind in the world) involves 'active network management' that will make better use of the existing infrastructure and allow a further 15MW of new 'non-firm generation' output from renewables onto the network.

Transport Air The main airport in Orkney is Kirkwall Airport, operated by Highland and Islands Airports. Loganair, a franchise of British Airways provides services to the Scottish Mainland ( Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness), as well as to Sumburgh Airport in Shetland. Within Orkney, the council operates airfields on most of the larger islands including Stronsay, Eday, North Ronaldsay, Westray, Papa Westray, and Sanday. The shortest scheduled air service in the world, between the islands of Westray and Papa Westray, is scheduled at two minutes duration but can take less than one minute if the wind is in the right direction. Ferry Ferries serve both to link Orkney to the rest of Scotland, and also to link together the various islands of the Orkney archipelago.

Ferry services operate between Orkney and the Scottish Mainland and Shetland on the following routes: Lerwick to Kirkwall (operated by Northlink Ferries) Aberdeen to Kirkwall (operated by Northlink Ferries) Scrabster to Stromness (operated by Northlink Ferries) Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope (operated by Pentland Ferries) John o' Groats to Burwick on South Ronaldsay (seasonal passenger only service, operated by John o' Groats Ferries) Inter-island ferry services connect all the inhabited islands to Orkney Mainland, and are operated by Orkney Ferries, a company owned by Orkney Islands Council . Road There are ideas being discussed to build an undersea tunnel between Orkney and the Scottish Mainland, at a length of about 9-10 miles (15-16 km) or (more likely) one connecting Orkney Mainland to Shapinsay. Sport The Orkney Amateur Football Association runs leagues between late April and early September, and teams also compete in the Highland Amateur Cup. There are also several Hockey clubs. Orkney competes in the biannual Island Games.

Heritage Skara Brae Located in West Mainland is the 'Heart of Neolithic Orkney', a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site . This comprises a group of Neolithic monuments which consist of a large chambered tomb ( Maes Howe), two ceremonial stone circles (the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar) and a settlement ( Skara Brae), together with a number of unexcavated burial, ceremonial and settlement sites. The group constitutes a major prehistoric cultural landscape which gives a graphic depiction of life in this remote archipelago in the far north of Scotland some 5,000 years ago. Viking settlers comprehensively occupied Orkney, and the islands became a possession of Norway until being given to Scotland during the 15th century as part of a dowry settlement. Evidence of the Viking presence is widespread, and includes the settlement at the Brough of Birsay, the vast majority of place names, and runic inscriptions at Maeshowe and other ancient sites. Language At the beginning of recorded history the islands were inhabited by the Picts , whose language is unknown.

Opinions on the nature of Pictish vary from its having been a Celtic language, to its not having been Indo-European at all. Katherine Forsyth claims that the Ogham script on the Buckquoy spindle-whorl is evidence for the pre-Norse existence of Old Irish in Orkney. After the Norse occupation the toponymy of Orkney became almost wholly West Norse. The Norse language evolved into the local Norn, which lingered until the end of the 18th century, when it finally died out. Norn was replaced by the Orcadian dialect of Insular Scots. This dialect is at a low ebb due to the constant influences of television, education and the large number of incomers. However attempts are being made to revitalise its use by some writers and radio presenters. However, the distinctive sing-song accent and many dialect words of Norse origin continue to be used. The Orcadian dialect lingers in the remoter parts of the archipelago. Studies made by Gregor Lamb and others demonstrate the Norse influence on the grammar of Orcadian.

The Orcadian word most frequently encountered by visitors is "peedie" (peerie in Shetland ), meaning small, which may be derived from the French "petit". Orcadians An Orcadian pipe band at Finstown Gala Sanday Tartan An Orcadian is a native of Orkney, a term that reflects a strongly held identity with a tradition of understatement. Although the annexation of the earldom by Scotland in 1472 took place over five centuries ago, most Orcadians regard themselves as Orcadians first and Scots second. (Readers of Scott 's The Pirate will remember the frank contempt which Magnus Troil expressed for the Scots). When an Orcadian speaks of "Scotland", they are talking about the land to the immediate south of the Pentland Firth. When an Orcadian speaks of "the mainland", they mean Mainland, Orkney. They are emphatic that tartan, clans, bagpipes and the like are traditions from the Scottish Highlands and are not a part of the islands' indigenous culture . However, at least two tartans with Orkney connexions have been registered , and there are pipe bands in Orkney .

A district tartan has been designed for Sanday by one of the island's residents, although it has not yet been officially adopted by the island authorities. It represents the sea, the distinctive sandy beaches and green meadows of the island, and the vertical stripes of Start Point lighthouse. Native Orcadians refer to the non-native residents of the islands as "Ferry Loupers", a term that has been in use for nearly two centuries at least. This designation is celebrated in the Orkney Trout Fishing Association's "Ferryloupers Trophy", demonstrating that it was originally a non-derogatory appellation although it can be used in a derogatory manner.

Well-known Orcadians In family name alphabetical order: James Atkine (1613-1687), bishop first of Moray and afterwards of Galloway William Balfour Baikie (1825-1864), traveller in Africa George Mackay Brown (1921-1996), poet, author, playwright Mary Brunton (1778-1818), author of Self-Control, Discipline and other novels Stanley Cursiter (1887-1976), artist William Towrie Cutt (1898-1981), author Walter Traill Dennison (1826-1894), Orcadian folklorist Magnus Erlendsson (Saint Magnus) (c.1070-c.1117), Earl of Orkney c.1105-1117 Matthew Forster Heddle (1828-1897), mineralogist, author of The Mineralogy of Scotland Malcolm Laing (1762-1818), author of the History of Scotland from the Union of the Crowns to the Union of the Kingdoms Samuel La

ing (1780-1868), author of A Residence in Norway, and translator of the Heimskringla, the Icelandic chronicle of the kings of Norway Samuel Laing (1812-1897), chairman of the London, Brighton & South Coast railway, and introducer of the system of "parliamentary" trains with fares of one penny a mile Magnus Linklater (b.1942), journalist, son of Eric Linklater John D Mackay (b.1909), headmaster and Orkney patriot Murdoch McKenzie (d.1797), hydrographer British Isles Cruises, British Isles Cruise, Cruises From the British Isles, Cruise British Isles, Cruise From the British Isles, British Isles Cruise Line, British Isles Cruise Lines, Cruises to the British Isles, Cruises Visiting the British Isles # Sanday, Orkney, Scotland The tranquil island of Sanday boasts unspoiled sandy beaches, clear air and water, and an abundance of large sand dunes where seals and otters can be found.

There are also a number of Iron Age and Viking sites on the island, and visitors will enjoy exploring its rich history and archeology. Language: English Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) Speak to a British Isles Cruise Specialist Mon-Fri 5:30am to 1am, Sat 7am to 10pm, Sun 8am to 10pm, CST Departure Ports

Question: Hoy and Sanday are in which island group in the British Isles?
Answer: ORKNEY ISLANDS