When the average traveler hears about the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland, he or she might imagine rugged, wind-swept crags popping out of the sea — populated by burly, red-bearded men tossing cabers in every direction as ivory-skinned lasses applauded in their simple farmer’s attire. Of course, in the 21st century, such simple-minded preconceived notions always come up short.
Those travelers would be especially misplaced in throughout The Orkneys. The island chain combines stirring scenery with progressive technology, cultural diversity with endless history.
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Identifying with a heritage mixed between Viking and Scottish lore, the people of The Orkneys maintain an independent spirit and a genuine love for their resident archipelago. The rest of the world recognized the island chain as perhaps the globe’s most prominent center for the study of Neolithic humans.
Multiple archeological sites across The Orkneys open a window on how men and women lived as long as 5,000 years ago. The star attraction remains Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a complete Neolithic village preserved as it was abandoned thousands of years ago. Archeologists and historians are relearning what they thought they knew about “cavemen” while scouring The Orkneys for clues.
The islands’ prominent and ancient history lends the region an aura of mystery. However, even if that was not the case — even if The Orkneys were somehow uninhabited, they would still be a prime attraction for travelers with their spectacular natural beauty. The blend of rolling hills, distant mountains and sprawling seasides nestle below ever-changing North Atlantic skies will fill a camera’s memory in a matter of hours without allowing a bad photo,
The gallery below offers a few captured images from a short tour through the islands. Along the way, a few interesting facts of life in The Orkneys highlight some of the area’s more surprising historical and cultural qualities.
The Orkneys
With a population varied by a history based in both Scotland and Scandinavia, the beautiful islands of the Orkneys offer a unique blend of natural beauty and distinct culture.
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Images of The Orkneys
A totem pole from the native tribes of Canada celebrate an unlikely connection with The Orkneys as Scottish immigrants connected with North America.
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Images of The Orkneys
The Orkneys are filled with small farms producing locally sourced crops and livestock, reducing the amount of provisions that need to be brought in from mainland Scotland.
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Images of The Orkneys
The Orkneys exist in endless connection with the sea, using the ocean water for both industry and recreation.
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Images of The Orkneys
Much of Orkney cuisine is locally sourced, drawn from local livestock herds and freshly harvested seafood.
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Images of The Orkneys
The Orkneys are home to multiple ruins, offering glimpses into the lives of neolithic human beings.
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Images of The Orkneys
The Orkneys rise above the waters of Scapa Flow, one of the world's great shipping runs and home of many north sea oil fields.
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Images of The Orkneys
The Orkneys produce all of their electricity via natural renewable needs, even selling excess wind farm power back to mainland Scotland.
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Images of The Orkneys
After a Nazi u-boat managed to penetrate The Orkneys during World War II, the British Navy sank wrecked ships throughout the island channels to act as barricades.
