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These Islands, once held by Norway, were a stepping stone for raids around the coast of Scotland and Ireland by the fearsome Vikings.

At the time of Macbeth, Thorfinn ruled Orkney and Caithness with Sutherland a disputed area between them. Thorfinn's father was of Viking blood but his mother was a daughter of Malcolm II as was Macbeth's, thus giving him an equal claim to the throne of Scotland should it become vacant.
To complete the picture ' the ' King Duncan, who was supposed to have been slain in his bed by Macbeth, according to Shakespeare that is, was also the son of a daughter of that same king. This made the three men cousins, and all with a good claim to that same throne. By a quirk of fate, or even a touch of mischief making, King Malcolm chose Duncan to be his successor thus ensuring an animosity which was to change Scotland's history and an end of the celtic culture which was then dominant.

Duncan, who wanted to eliminate any potential threat to his rule went to war with Thorfinn and after a series of battles was himself killed at Pitgaveny, not far from Elgin in Morayshire. The Orkneys' ancient writings give Thorfinn the benefit but Shakespeare has made Macbeth the infamous villain.

Thorfinn and his sons became legends in his domain and he eventually died peacefully at his beloved Birsay where he had built a magnificent church. It was to be some time before the Islands were ceded to scotland by treaty but only after a great Battle at Largs. To this day the ancient traditions of the Vikings are still played out in festivals and ceremonies each year on the Islands and even on the mainland much to the enjoyment of the participants and onlookers alike.

The land itself is a hive of history and nature stretching back before even these days, for there are ancient sites to be found for the enthusiast and much wildlife to be watched. The views and walks are tremendously invigorating with the 'Old Man of Hoy' springing to mind.
Boat trips around the Islands are available for fishing as well as the sightseeing of such creatures as whales, basking sharks and seals.
The sea and the rivers teem with fish so a good day can be had fishing even if you are just a learner. The main centres are Kirkwall, Stromness, Stenness and Dounby with more smaller places all well worth a visit or stay.

There is much to explore with Castles, Churches, Museums and other visitor centres to see.

Nearly every night there are musical events somewhere on the Islands and there are many good eating establishments available just waitng to test those tastebuds with a variety of good Scots cookin'.

The Islands have good Hotels, Guesthouses and Camp sites to suit everyone's pocket and need so make it a date for a great holiday in the Orkneys.

A Tourist Board Brochure is freely available from this site

If anyone has any comments or photos to enhance these pages please contact us.