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Ferries to Orkney
Schedules Overview
Book a ferry to Orkney with NorthLink Ferries,
who offer frequent crossings from Aberdeen to
Kirkwall, and from Scrabster to Stromness.
NorthLink Ferries also offer sailings from
Lerwick to Kirkwall.
You can also travel by ferry to Orkney with
Pentland Ferries, who offer frequent ferry
services between Gills Bay and St. Margaret's
Hope.
Ferries to Orkney
Destination Overview
The Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern
Scotland, are home to a rich and varied history.
The Orkney islands boast many sites of
archaeological interest, including some of the
oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in
Europe, earning Orkney a place on the UNESCO
list of world heritage sites.
Orkney also has much to offer the nature-lover;
Auskerry, one of the smaller Orkney islands,
provides a nesting ground for the Arctic Tern
and the Strom Petrel.
The Orkney islands are a lively and welcoming
destination, with friendly locals, and many
festivals and events occurring throughout the
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Orkney Guide
Orkney, or the Orkney Islands, is an
archipelago in northern Scotland which
comprises over 70 islands. The Orkney
Islands are separated from mainland Scotland
by the Pentland Firth. Around 17 of these
are inhabited. Orkney has been inhabited for
at least 5,500 years and was settled by the
Picts and the Norse.
Orkney is rich in history, and is home to
some of the oldest and best-preserved
Neolithic sites in Europe, earning it a
place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage
Sites.
The Orkney Islands are mostly low-lying,
with a temperate climate. They are home to
peaceful, sandy beaches and beautiful
scenery, and the welcoming nature of the
inhabitants of Orkney means you will quickly
feel at home in these wonderful islands.
Orkney also boasts a vibrant culture with a
multitude of festivals and events throughout
the year.
Orkney Facts
- Size: 382 sq miles
- Population: 19,800
- Capital: Kirkwall (administrative centre)
- Language: English
- Currency: Sterling GBP
- Country Code: +44
- Time Zone: GMT +0
- Electricity: 240V 50Hz, 3 pin plugs -
Orkney Ferry Ports: Scrabster, Stromness,
St. Margaret's Hope, Gills Bay, Lerwick,
Kirkwall, Aberdeen
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Things to see
The main island, Orkney, is known as
`mainland'; the largest settlement here
is Kirkwall, which is the administrative
centre of the Orkney Islands. The island
of Orkney is well-connected by air and
sea to mainland Scotland and to many of
the other smaller Orkney islands.
Orkney mainland boasts numerous sites of
archaeological interest from the
Neolithic, Pictish and Viking eras.
Examples of Orkney's wealth of
historical sites include the stone
circles of Stenness and Brodgar, and the
stone-built settlement, Skara Brae.
Many of the other islands are inhabited,
though some only have 2 or 3 year-round
inhabitants. Most of the islands are
used for grazing and farming;
agriculture is the main industry of
Orkney.
Visit Auskerry to see the nesting
grounds of the Arctic Tern and Storm
Petrel, or see the Golgotha monastery on
the island of Papa Stronsay. Papa
Westray (also known as Papay) is home to
an RSPB nature reserve and many
Neolithic and Viking ruins, and you can
visit the oldest castle in Scotland,
Cubbie Roo's castle, which dates from
1150, on the island of Wyre.
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