Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland
Present your passport and any required documents to Border Force officers.
Pick up your checked bags.
Pick up your rental car, or find a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
Settle into your accommodation.
Locate the nearest ATM or bank. Use ATMs for currency or exchange at banks (limited options at Kirkwall Airport). Purchase any immediate needs like water or snacks.
If desired, purchase a local SIM card.
Pick up local maps and visitor guides from tourist information points in Kirkwall or Stromness.
Passport validity confirmed. Visa requirements understood. Copies made. Bank notified.
Vaccinations current. Travel insurance purchased. Emergency contacts saved. Local medical access known.
Accommodation booked. Transport secured. Maeshowe tour reserved. Local weather understood.
Look for documentaries on Orkney's archaeology (e.g., films about Skara Brae or the Ness of Brodgar excavations) or the history of Scapa Flow.
Listen to traditional Scottish or Orcadian folk music. Explore local art galleries during your visit.
Online forums, like Reddit's r/Scotland or specific Orkney Facebook groups, offer local insights and a place to ask questions.
For serious incidents, immediately dial 999. Keep your embassy or consulate contact details readily available.
This creates a profound bond with human endeavor across millennia.
The vast, open skies, dramatic coastline, and rich wildlife impart a sense of peace and wild beauty that can be deeply rejuvenating.
The quiet beauty and deep history of Orkney invite introspection. The challenges of its weather encourage adaptability. Meeting friendly locals and experiencing their way of life broadens your perspective. You may discover a renewed appreciation for nature, history, and community.
You gain an appreciation for an island way of life, where community bonds stand strong.
Reliance on the natural environment becomes clear.
It nurtures a sense of discovery and quiet reflection.
Experience a profound connection to human endeavor and resilience across millennia.
The vast, open skies and dramatic coastline offer peace and wild beauty.
Engage with the distinctive Orcadian culture and island way of life.
Purchasing local crafts and produce supports Orkney's economy and gives you genuine mementos.
