4 TOP THINGS TO DO

Stroll

around the postcard pretty stone streets of historic Stromness with local Erland Cooper in your ears as big skies and Scapa Flow views swirl all around. Linger in wee shops and the Pier Arts Centre, an art gallery and cultural hub that showcases the prodigious talents of the local artistic community. pierartscentre.com

Take off

and land in around 90 seconds on the world’s shortest scheduled flight from Papa Westray to Westray. The total distance is shorter than either of Heathrow’s runways. Savour the scenic threeflight hop (£10) from Kirkwall, via these twin islands, and you’ll still be back in the capital in half an hour. loganair.co.uk

Hike

on Hoy. Churlish visitors could bemoan Orkney’s flatness, but Hoy awaits across Scapa Flow. Hiking and history are the main charms. The most famous route is out to view the Old Man of Hoy, a striking sea stack that remained unconquered by man until 1966.

Drink

a dram. Orkney sports two whisky distilleries – Highland Park and Scapa. The former in Kirkwall is the most visitorfriendly, so take a tour (from around £30) and find there is indeed a whisky for you. Orkney also produces superb gin and beer. highlandparkwhisky.com