Orkney Islands

My Dad’s family is from here, always temptd to go back and live there. He left when he was 16 to join the army, don’t think he wanted to be a farmer or something! I love going here, everyone is so warm an welcoming, things are simpler, everythings beautiful here, go now!

A very special place, quite unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Full of things to do and see, wild and windswept but the people are mild and friendly. 59 degrees north and 24 hour daylight, auroras and seals, lively towns and peaceful beaches.

Allow at least 3 days to even begin to explore it – and be prepared for it to hold you longer, maybe forever! An easy place to live and be yourself.

Do not miss: World Heritage Sites of Neolithic Orkney: Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Stenness Standing Stones, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn.

All over 4,500 years old and well preserved by isolation.

Must try: Orkney ice-cream, oatcakes, North Ronaldsay lamb, local beef, whisky, beer, patties, local music, fire making, dancing at a ceilidh, beachcombing, building a stone circle, visiting crafts folk at work.

Special things to do: Climb to the top of St Magnus Cathedral, fly in a tiny plane to Papa Westray to see the oldest house in Europe – Knap of Howar, sing and dance at the folk festival, walk on Hoy to see the Dwarfie Stane and the Old Man of Hoy, scuba dive shipwrecks, take a survival course, touch the standing stones and breath lung-fulls of fresh air!

It was cold when I went… but excellent! Seals, Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar… all wonderful, even in the rain!

This place has what life is all about, great landscapes, friendly people, history, fresh food, narrow roadways and just all around spiritual beauty! If I could land a successful writing career and a UK passport, this is where I would live!