For anyone who has ever wanted to indulge in a spot of island hopping then a trip to Orkney and then on to Shetland will reveal two very ancient lands full of mystery and culture.
Starting Point
Situated to the very far north of Scotland Aberdeen airport is a great option for those who wish to fly to Kirkwall in the Orkneys and then on to Sumburgh in Shetland. If you want to explore ‘The Granite City’ and the surrounding area before departing for the islands you could always take ‘The Aberdeen Castle Trail.’
This journey encompasses 13 castles and will give you an informative introduction to Scotland’s colourful past. Of course if all of that history makes you thirsty, the region also is home to 12 whisky distilleries, including the renowned Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown.
Orkney
The islands are very proud of their Norse heritage and there are 70 islands that make up the whole of Orkney. Some are just tiny skerries and not all of the islands are inhabited.Nature lovers can spot seals, whales and dolphins as well as otters here.
If you want a livelier time during your stay, try and check out the local festivals. From folk celebrations to the annual agricultural show you’ll come away with a greater sense of what Orkney is all about.
The islands have been inhabited since the Neolithic period, the Roman Diodorus Siculus, wrote about them as far back as 56BC, so you won’t be the first person to discover this fascinating place – and you definitely won’t be the last.
Shetland
Even further to the north of Aberdeen and around 50 miles north of the Orkneys are the Shetland Islands. This is the home of Viking adventurers and is also the most northerly point of the British Isles.
The rugged and wild landscape with its small hamlets and crofts is home to around 22,000 people. Sumburgh is the main airport which is just 25 miles south of the capital, Lerwick. History is everywhere on these islands, the Picts, the Norse and Neolothic settlers have all left their footprints and these sites can still be explored today.
The inhabitants of the Shetlands certainly know how to put on a party so try and visit the islands in the winter and catch the fire festival of ‘Up Helly Aa’ when a Viking longship is ceremoniously destroyed by fire.
