Orkney

PROPERTY JUNCTION'S HOME BUYERS' GUIDE TO ORKNEY

One of the most remote counties in the UK, second perhaps to the Shetland Islands, is Orkney. Located some 10 miles from the mainland, Orkney is a collection of small, rural islands, heavily involved in the gas and oil extraction industries. With just shy of 20,000 inhabitants, Orkney is a sparsely populated and largely underdeveloped area – perfect for those looking for a home that is remote and tranquil. However, with regular connections via air and rail between the Islands and to the mainland, this remoteness can be overcome where practically necessary, leaving residents to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty these islands have to offer.

                   

Loch of Tankerness                             Rerwick Head             Dingieshowe Beach

                 

Minehowe                               Cliffs of the Red Head           Moodie Burial Place

                    

St Magnus Cathedral                          Orkney Museum                    

               

Road   

The are no trunk roads or motorways in Orkney, although the road infrastructure is adequate to deal with the needs of the community.

Rail     

The Orkney islands have no railways, and are easily accessible by road, air and ferry given the small geographic area covered by the county.

Air 

Airports play a crucial role in island life on Orkney, providing a major source of transport between islands and the mainland. Eday, Stronsay, Sanday, Papa Westray and Westray connect the various individual islands on a regular basis, ensuring residents can move freely around the county.

Ferries 

The principal ferry route to the mainland runs to Aberdeen, with routes also running to Scrabster on the north coast of Scotland.

Kirkwall, Stromness, Papa Westray, Eday, Rousay, Egilsay, Gairsay, Stronsay

List of Railway Stations in Orkney:

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