Approximately twenty miles north of the Scottish mainland lie the Orkney Islands, which were annexed to Scotland in 1468. They were pledged for 50,000 florins by King Christian I of Norway as part of a dowry when his daughter married James III of Scotland. Although made up of about 70 islands, only 28 are inhabited and the summer is almost nightless. Orkney is a destination in its own right. You do not visit Orkney en route to somewhere else , it is a first-choice holiday for most visitors. The islands' attractions, culture, wildlife, activities and hospitality are guaranteed to keep any group of visitors amused and entertained for a long time. Lying 6 miles to the north of the Scottish Mainland and separated by the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, this fascinating and flourishing archipelago of 70 islands are home to a population of over 19,000. From the moment you arrive, Orkney seduces you with its landscape, its wildlife, its stories and its unhurried pace of ... < more >