Kirkwall is the capital of the northern Scottish island council area of Orkney, where visitors can expect to find a landscape made up mainly of craggy cliffs and strange sandstone formations. The pretty capital and business centre is famous primarily for its whisky distilleries and St. Magnus Cathedral. The cathedral dates from the 12th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Norman architecture in the British Isles. Other sights include: Tankerness House, a 16th century town house that houses the local history museum of the Orkney Islands, and the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, which is more than 5,000 years old.

Tips for excursions

Southerly panorama and Highland Distillery

A coach trip along the coast to the Highland Park distillery. The tour lasts three and half hours.

Exploring the north coast in comfort

Starting at the harbour the trip goes southward through vast expanses of moorland, past small lakes (lochs). You will go past Scapa Flow, famous from the First World War. Visit to the Ring of Brodgar, a 5000 year-old stone circle and an old Viking settlement. The tour lasts 3 1/4 hours.