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Orkney Self Catering Holidays

Self Catering Accommodation in Orkney >>

The Islands of Orkney are a group of about 70 islands and skerries situated 10km (6.2 miles) from the north-east tip of the Scottish Mainland. The largest island, known as 'the mainland, is home to most of the total 20,000 population but the main north islands of Shapinsay, Gairsay, Stronsay, Wyre, Rousay, Egilsay, Eday, Sanday, Westray, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay and the south islands of Graemsay, Hoy, South Walls, Burray, Flotta and South Ronaldsay are also populated. A few other small islands also have permanent or seasonal residents.

Although Burray and South Ronaldsay are islands they are connected to the Orkney mainland by causeways called the Churchill barriers, which were built in the 1940s. Likewise, South Walls is connected to Hoy via a causeway called The Ayre.