Property, Houses and Flats for Sale in Orkney, Scotland

Property for sale in Orkney

Orkney is a group of islands situated a few miles off the north-east tip of mainland Scotland. The Orkney landscape is typified by green fields and hills, stone pinnacles rising out of the sea, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. The climate is temperate, warmed by the Gulf Stream. Fishing in the lochs is free in Orkney, and bird watching is a popular activity, as is diving around the wrecks. The largest island of the Orkney group is known as "Mainland" and is home to approximately 70 per cent of Orkney’s 20,000 strong population. Over a third of Orcadians live in the capital town of Kirkwall. The other main town is Stromness, with a population of 2,000. The people of Orkney, with their unique accent, do not see themselves as Scottish, but as Orcadian. For a long time the islands were owned by Norway, so there is a very mixed culture. Today, many of the tourists who visit are Scandinavian and in the shops you can buy Norwegian newspapers. Many people who consider Orkney property are lured by the peace and quiet, and the 'big skies' at night which, due to the absence of light pollution, are filled with millions of stars. Orkney has a vibrant community with many artists and musicians, a thriving social life, and is a popular tourist destination. It is friendly and inclusive towards incomers, who now make up a good part of the islands’ population. The estate agents in Orkney say it is remote from the turmoil of modern urban life, but easily accessible seven days a week by land, sea and air. The type of property for sale in Orkney includes, detached and semi detached houses, cottages, townhouses and Victorian detached manor houses.

Amenities for properties in Orkney

People who are searching for property for sale in Orkney may like to consider Kirkwall and Stromness, the two largest towns on Orkney. Kirkwall is considered to be a beautiful old town with many interesting historical sights. Kirkwall has many shops and businesses, supermarkets, numerous cafés and restaurants. The town is also home to a cinema, a theatre, a marina, a swimming pool, a sports centre and a golf course. There is public library (the oldest in Scotland) dating from 1683.

Stromnes is still a busy harbour due to the car ferry which links Orkney to Shetland and mainland Scotland. Stromness is referred to by local residents as the Venice of the North, and has an art gallery and a library, plus several shops and a golf course.

Families looking to buy property in Orkney will discover Orkney has some of the best schools in Great Britain. Kirkwall Grammar School and Stromness Academy regularly feature in the 100 Best State Schools league tables. There are primary schools on most of the outer islands and there are also four junior secondary schools. Further education is provided at Orkney College and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Transport for Orkney

If you are searching for houses for sale in Orkney, the island is accessible by sea and air. The main railway line runs from Inverness up the mainland east coast to Wick and Thurso. From there the local bus service operates to the ferry points at Scrabster or John O'Groats. By air: British Airways and British Airways Express fly to Kirkwall from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick, Sumburgh (Shetland). Connections can be made with flights to and from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast. A privately-run foot passenger ferry operates daily during the summer from John O'Groats to Burwick on the southern tip of Orkney. It takes about 45 minutes to cross the Pentland Firth. No vehicles taken, but cycles are allowed. Buses to Kirkwall connect with the ferry. Northlink Orkney & Shetland Ferries operate three vehicle services per day. Travel on and between the islands can be made via Orkney Ferries, who sail to Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, Shapinsay, Hoy, Graemsay, Flotta, Eday, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray.

Surrounding areas

While searching for property to buy or property to rent in Orkney, you may like to extend your search and explore neighbouring areas to search for property for sale in Stromness, Cromarty and Dingwall.