Although apparently isolated and far away, Orkney is in fact very well served by transport links, both by air and sea. There are good connections by air from four major airports in Scotland, while land travel to Scrabster, in Caithness, or Aberdeen is facilitated by good roads as well as bus and rail services which tie in with ferry times.

Contrary to the advice given by some travel agents, no passport is needed by UK citizens, prices are reasonable, and there are a variety of services. Nor is it necessary to go to the lengths that the first airborne visitors had to. In 1910, the author’s grandfather was surprised to find two young Germans from Munich on his doorstep. They had gone for a flight in their balloon, hoping to reach Switzerland. Much to their consternation the weather changed and they crossed the North Sea, landing at the back of Park Cottage, Kirkwall, after seeing the lights of the town!

AIR   British Airways operate several flights per day into Kirkwall Airport (KOI), some of which are operated by British Airways Express (Loganair). There are two direct flights per day from Aberdeen and Inverness and one direct flight per day from each of Edinburgh and Glasgow. In addition there are daily flights to and from Shetland, and in summer weekly flights to Bergen (Saturdays) and Fair Isle (Saturdays). Kirkwall Airport is closed on Sundays, and thus there are no scheduled flights on a Sunday.

Details of all flights are available by telephoning British Airways central reservation and inquiries on Tel 0345 222111. Information can also be had from the BA desk at Kirkwall Airport, Tel (01856) 872233.

 

SEA   The main ferry operator as from October 2002 is Northlink Ferries, who will operate the Hamnavoe between Scrabster in Caithness and Stromness. This large, modern ferry takes less than two hours to cross the Pentland Firth, passing the Old Man of Hoy on the way. She crosses at least twice daily. Northlink offer various interesting package deals including accommodation as well as day trips.     Northlink also operate the Hrossey and the Hjaltland which run between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick. These vessels provide a twice daily service between Shetland and Aberdeen, calling at Kirkwall several times in each direction each week. Northlink Orkney & Shetland Ferries Ltd, Tel 01856 851144, Fax 01856 851155.  website www.northlinkferries.co.uk email info@northlinkferries.co.uk

John O’Groats Ferries operate a summer passenger service between John O’Groats and Burwick in South Ronaldsay. Coach services meet the sailings at Burwick for transport to Kirkwall, while there is a special bus service from Inverness to John O’Groats. Several variations on day trips are available.