SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020 Seastack at Yesnaby, Orkney Breckon Sands, Yell, Shetland Braewick, Shetland Ness of Ork, Shapinsay, Orkney ORKNEY AND SHETLAND An island holiday is a very special experience, and the distinctive Formed by ancient hills sitting on the submerged continental shelf, coastlines and culture of Scotland’s Northern Isles – Orkney and Shetland boasts over 100 islands, 15 of which are inhabited. Shetland Shetland – make for an experience to remember. has an incredibly long coastline of over 2700km, equating to 15% of the The Orkney Islands are an archipelago of around 70 islands (20 entire UK coastline, including some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain, of which are inhabited) lying a mere 10 miles north of the Scottish hundreds of pristine, sandy beaches, sea stacks and caves. mainland. You can fly to Orkney’s main town of Kirkwall from the airports at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness with all flights The unique scenery is due to the diverse geology (all of Shetland is a lasting an hour or less. There are four ferry routes to choose from, with UNESCO accredited Geopark), with some rocks over 370 million years up to 12 sailings a day, depending on the season. old, also giving rise to hundreds of trout lochs, salt marshes, sand dunes, exposed ancient sea floors and the best cross-section of a The number of islands, countless cliffs and endless white sandy beaches volcano in Britain. means a dramatic shoreline sculpted by the seas over thousands of years. You’re never far from a cliff walk in Orkney. The magnificent red Shetland's wildlife is rich and varied, with 12% of Britain's otters around sandstone cliffs on Hoy, the striking natural arch known as the Vat of its shores, significant common and grey seal populations, some of the Kirbister on Stronsay, or the cliff walks at Yesnaby and Marwick Head on UK's largest seabird colonies (including puffins and gannets), frequent West Mainland are just some examples cetacean sightings and of course the iconic Shetland pony. Thanks to its coast, cliffs, wetlands and moorlands, the Orkney Islands Settled for over 6,000 years, there is a wealth of archaeology from invite waterfowl, waders, raptors and seabirds, including the much Neolithic temples, Iron Age round towers and Viking long-houses to loved puffin, to make their homes here. This is one of the best places in excellently preserved WWll sites. Europe’s biggest Fire Festival, Britain to go seal-watching, as it’s a breeding ground for both grey and Up Helly Aa, takes place in Lerwick in January and is a homage common seals. Around 15% of the world’s seal population is found here. to Shetland’s Viking past. Dolphins and various species of whale are also frequently spotted. Direct flights are available from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Divers from across the world are attracted here in search of wartime Inverness all year round, and also from Manchester and Bergen in the wrecks to the sealife that can be found under the water. Stay above the summer. The Northlink Ferry sails from Aberdeen and is a 12-hour seas in a kayak, and explore the coastline from a different angle. overnight mini-cruise. For more ideas, contacts and suggested itineraries visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email us at [email protected] ORKNEY AND SHETLAND ORKNEY OLD MAN OF HOY ISLAND HOPPING WESTRAY AND PAPA WESTRAY CHURCHILL BARRIERS FLOTTA One of Scotland’s most famous landmarks Orkney consists of 70 islands and skerries, The world’s shortest scheduled flight The Churchhill Barriers are four causeways The tiny island of Flotta has a rich history. in Orkney, The Old Man of Hoy is a famous of which 20 are permanently inhabited. operates between the Islands of built after the sinking of the HMS Royal It was at the heart of Orkney’s military 450 foot sea stack lying in a spectacular There is a magic to Orkney that you will Westray and Papa Westray. The flight Oak while it lay at harbour in Scapa Flow experience of WW11 and of the islands setting just off the coast of the island of begin to feel as soon as you set foot in this takes 1 minute 14 seconds, covering in October 1939. After WWII, a road was oil industry in the 1970s. It also has the Hoy. Hoy means 'High Island' in Old Norse. unique place, and there is no better way a distance of 1.5 miles. Papa Westray built on top of the barriers allowing easy distinction of offering one of the most To see it, you can take up the challenge to experience it than by visiting several was once a medieval pilgrimage centre, driving access to the south isles. The area spectacular 360 degree panoramas in the of a demanding three-hour walking trip different islands to experience the unique while Westray is home to over 100,000 is popular with divers and sea-anglers, UK, taking in Scapa Flow, the Pentland from Rackwick to the coast, or take the character of each. seabirds including gannets, razorbills and and also has some superb beaches. Firth and views over several islands. The easy route of spotting it from the daily guillemots, which nest on the high cliffs name ‘flotta’ comes from the Norse for Scrabster-Stromness ferry. at Noup Head. 'flat isle'. SCAPA FLOW RSPB NATURE RESERVES TOURS ON ORKNEY BEAUTIFUL BEACHES CYCLING AND WALKING ROUTES Scapa Flow is a body of water encircled The Royal Society of the Protection of Birds One of the best way to get to know Orkney As you might expect from a group of Cycling is an excellent way to discover by the Orkney mainland and south isles, (RSPB) look after 13 nature reserves here, is by touring the island with the locals. islands, Orkney has numerous distinctive the Orkney Islands, as it allows you to making it a sheltered natural harbour ranging from sea cliffs and farmland to There’s a range of exciting options to and beautiful beaches to discover. take your time, exploring the beauty of which has been strategically important wetland and moorland. The amazing range choose from. Get close to the islands’ North Link Ferries which runs daily the islands’ land and seascapes, as well from Viking times right up to WWI and of habitats produces an unforgettable history and nature on a walking tour, ferries to Orkney from Scrabster on the as their dramatic coastlines as you go. WWII. Several wrecks from these periods range of wildlife, with something to see enjoy the unique experience of a trike tour, mainland have pulled together their top Whether you want to plump for an easy are clearly visible. The Scapa Flow Visitor all year-round. There are guided walks on explore the islands’ food and drink or set ten Orcadian beaches – whether you’re route, or something more challenging, Centre and Museum on the island of Hoy many reserves between May and August, sail on a boat trip to see wildlife and the looking for a beach that’s beautiful, there’s a route to suit you with stunning will open in Spring 2020 following a major with a chance to enjoy wildlife watching stunning coastlines. peaceful, atmospheric, or fun-filled, backdrops guaranteed. There is also the renovation project. with the experts on most days of the week. you’ll find it here. St Magnus Way - a new 55km pilgrimage path, much of which is coastal. SHETLAND TOURS ON SHETLAND UNST ST NINIAN’S ISLE SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE SCALLOWAY MUSEUM AND UNST Take a tour to explore Shetland’s waters Unst, Britain’s most northerly island, St. Ninian’s Isle is linked to the mainland Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor BOAT HAVEN and coastlines. Explore the amazing has an amazing history and spectacular of Shetland by one of Europe’s finest sand Centre and Nature Reserve is a world class Shetland has a host of fascinating cliffs, seabird colonies and other wildlife landscape, such as the hills of Hermaness tombolos, a stunning 500m long sandy visitor attraction, providing an engaging museums spread across all the islands. around Noss on a boat trip from the town and Saxavord. Hermaness National Nature beach with sea either side, created and and interactive experience for visitors of Visit the Scalloway Museum to hear about of Lerwick, or be adventurous by taking Reserve is home to thousands of breeding maintained by wave action. The 12th all ages. Explore the history and natural the wartime operation that ran special a tour by kayak or jet-ski. The area’s birds, and Keen of Hamar is an exposed Century chapel on the island became heritage of Sumburgh Head, from early agents across the sea from Norway, or visit abundant wildlife means that no matter ancient seabed, with unique flora found famous in the 1950’s for the discovery by geological beginnings and Iron Age settlers Unst Boat Haven to explore Shetland’s where on Shetland you are, there are only in this area. Unst also has the highest a teenage schoolboy of the St. Ninian’s to the lives of lighthouse keepers and the boat-building traditions the origins of operators who can take you on the perfect density of Viking rural sites anywhere, treasure, 28 silver Pictish items plus the local wildlife. which date back to the 9th century. wildlife journey of discovery. including a full-sized replica Viking ship jawbone of a porpoise, buried under a slab Exhibits include a collection of over 20 and longhouse. near the altar, perhaps during a Viking raid.