orkney & shetland
THE ORCADIAN ARCHIPELAGO of
around 70 islands provides some of the finest
sailing grounds in northern Europe. An ancient
maritime crossroads since the time of the
Vikings, the last stop for the Hudson Bay
Company ships and a fleet anchorage in both
world wars, the islands have almost 6,000
years of heritage to share with the visitor.
Their Neolithic heartland was granted World
Heritage Status by UNESCO in 1999, and
includes the magnificent Ring of Brodgar, the
Standing Stones of Stromness and the well
preserved stone village of Skara Brae.
Until recently the islands were viewed
primarily as a stopping off point for sailors en
route from Scandinavia to Scotland. However,
recent investment in the island infrastructure
means that sailors now have the choice of a boat from the charter company based in Skara Brae, Orkney © Scottish Viewpoint
three marinas to visit at Kirkwall (94 berths), Kirkwall (www.sailorkney.co.uk). Whichever
Stromness (64 berths) and a small marina option you choose make sure you allow of history can be enjoyed at over 6,000
and pontoon facility at Westray. Full details sufficient time to do justice to all that this archaeological sites. Tidal ranges are small,
can be found at www.orkneymarinas.co.uk unique archipelago has to offer. typically less than 1.5 metres, although streams
who operate all three facilities. Numerous can be locally strong, and good pilotage is
islands have alongside jetty berthing available SHETLAND has much in common with essential.
and there are also visitor moorings available Orkney, including a similar heritage and Viking
at locations throughout the islands, allowing influence, and a diverse population of seabirds Like their southern neighbour the island group
the visitor to explore the hidden nooks and and other wildlife which outnumber the human has also seen a significant increase in facilities
crannies, many of which are only accessible population by at least a hundredfold! The for the recreational sailor in recent years. As
by boat. The smaller islands are a haven for islands have three National Nature Reserves a result Sheltland is now able to boast four
wildlife, and all have interesting flora and fauna. and four RSPB reserves, together with a marinas at Lerwick, Bressay, Scalloway
Sanday is renowned for its otters and passing variety of native and rare breeds unique to and Skeld, with a further 17 small marina
pods of whales; Westray for its puffins and Shetland. Thus far Shetland is something of or pontoon facilities scattered amongst the
other breeding seabirds; Papay has a colony of an undiscovered cruising destination, but with archipelago. The capital of Lerwick makes
Storm Petrel; North Ronaldsay has breeding yachtsmen increasingly seeking interesting a sensible first port of call for visiting boats 49
terns, ducks, gulls and waders and often sailing challenges it is finding popularity with - the busy town has everything you might
reports interesting seasonal migrants. sailors from north west Europe who do not need including plenty of pubs and shops, plus
particularly wish to cross oceans. a shipyard for emergency repairs. The small
The net result is that Orkney is now viewed boat harbour has plenty of pontoon berths
as a destination in its own right by cruising The archipelago has over 100 small islands with shore power and water available for
yachtsmen, be they on a circumnavigation and 900 miles of coastline, and offers a striking visiting yachts.
of Scotland or Britain, or charterers taking combination of dramatic cliffs and sheltered
harbours. Nowhere on the land is more than There is an excellent guide to all the marina
North Haven, Fair Isle © Dave Wheeler three miles from the coast, and five millennia facilities published by Shetland Marinas, downloadable at www.shetlandmarinas.
co.uk. Some of the marinas are too shallow
to be used by visiting yachts, but are useful
for landing by dinghy.
Yachting has an important place in the
Shetland calendar, with 17 local regattas
held every year as well as the Round Foula
Race, the Lerwick to Skerries Race and
the International Bergen to Shetland
Races (www.shetland-race.no). Shetland’s
historic links with the sea have shaped a
very special marine culture, and you can be
sure that local folk will extend a warm and
practical welcome to every visiting seafarer.
Kirkwall, Orkney © Scottish Viewpoint
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Orkney & Shetland.indd 3 11/12/09 13:20:02
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76