Stromness , Orkney
SCOTTISH ISLANDS
( Shetland Islands , Orkney Islands & Isle of Lewis ) Incredible landscapes | Distinctive culture | Amazing wildlife | Viking heritage
Shetland
Lying in the North Sea , around 100 islands comprise Shetland , with 16 of them inhabited and many others accessible by boat .
On Mainland the capital , Lerwick , has good shops , restaurants and pubs , the outstanding Shetland Museum and Archives plus a thriving music scene . Nearby , Scalloway ’ s excellent museum tells of the top-secret WWII Shetland Bus operation .
Further south on Mainland are the seabird colonies of Sumburgh Head ; Old Scatness , a recently excavated Iron Age village ; and the archaeological treasures of Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse settlements . See also , the Zenith of Iron Age Shetland which is now on UNESCO ’ s tentative list to receive World Heritage Site designation .
Half way between Orkney and Shetland is Fair Isle , known for its birds , knitwear and shipwrecks . There ’ s also Unst for great walks and golden beaches ; Foula , designated as a Special Protection Area for birds ; Fetlar , known as the Garden of Shetland and beguiling Whalsay .
Orkney boasts sites and cultural attractions across 70 islands , of which just 16 are inhabited .
On Mainland , sights in the capital Kirkwall include St Magnus Cathedral , the Orkney Museum along with Bishop ’ s and Earl ’ s palaces . The nearby seaport of Stromness is famed for the Pier Arts Centre which showcases local works .
In West Mainland , discover hauntingly beautiful Heart of Neolithic Orkney , a UNESCO World
Stones of Stenness , Orkney
Heritage Site which includes Skara Brae , Europe ’ s best-preserved Stone Age village ; the Ring of Brodgar ; the Stones of Stenness and the Maeshowe chambered tomb .
See also Hoy for the dramatic Old Man of Hoy sea stack and Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum ; the Brough of Birsay ’ s Norse ruins ; Rousay ’ s archaeological sites ; and North Ronaldsay for unique heritage and history .
Largest island of the Outer Hebrides , the Isle of Lewis teems with history , heritage , wilderness , wildlife , arts , crafts , crofting culture and even adrenaline-fuelled adventure .
Bustling Stornoway is home to artisan shops , amazing eateries and historic Lews Castle . Ness is the stronghold of the local language while in Uig you can taste the true spirit of the islands at the Uig Abhainn Dearg Distillery . Head to Ardroil sands to kitesurf or windsurf , explore the sea caves at Garry Beach ,
Uig
ISLE OF LEWIS
Ness
Stornoway
admire the stretching white sands of Bosta on Great Bernera or take a boat trip out to the Flannan Islands , which are home to some wonderful wildlife . Another must-see are the Callanish Standing Stones , monolithic monuments standing proud above the windswept wilds of the West Side .
Loch Seaforth , Isle of Lewis
ORKNEY ISLANDS
Birsay
Rousay
MAINLAND Stromness Kirkwall
Hoy
MAINLAND SCOTLAND
SHETLAND ISLANDS
Foula
John o ’ Groats
Sumburgh Head
Fair Isle
Scalloway
North Ronaldsay
Fetlar
Whalsay MAINLAND
North Sea
Unst
Lerwick
All our featured islands offer a chance to spy the Northern Lights , particularly in autumn and winter , as well as tempting with local produce and an array of annual festivals . With easy connections , island hopping is recommended .
See page 7 for Travel information
100 SCOTTISH ISLANDS visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 777