NOW FOR THE ORKNEYS

We've left the Shetlands behind and have headed south to the Orkney Islands, reaching landfall at Quoyloo, the home of Orkney Brewery.

Not far away, the village of Evie, with the Mistra Bar over the local shop. 

The harbour at Stromess is our next stop.

Messrs Peace, of Kirkwall, operated coaches on local routes to Stromess.

Shalder also had a share of the spoils.

Rapsons later took over.

The Stromess Hotel was once a great place for real ale. It closed during Covid, but has since reopened, though with no alcohol sold.

While we're in the area, we might as well take a look at the historic Ring of Brodgar.

And so we come to the capital of the Orkneys, Kirkwall, with its cathedral (Creative Commons License).

Here is a general view of Kirkwall and its harbour (Creative Commons License).

Now for a few views of shipping in Kirkwall Harbour.

Peace was once the islands' main bus operator. This one is outside the depot.

Before being taken over, Shalder gained a good foothold.

Rosie Coaches used this thing on its local route.

Another minor operator, Causeway Coaches, ran this rare ACE Puma.

Rapsons later gained most services in Kirkwall.

Before leaving Kirkwall, there's time for a pint, in the Bothy Bar.

A short ferry ride takes us to the island of Shapinsay and the village of Balfour.

Here is Balfour Castle.

Our next stop is another little island, connected to Mainland and South Ronaldsay by causeways. Here, on Lamb Holm, we find the lovely Italian Chapel.

Our coach is ready to take us south to St Margaret's Hope.

We have arrived!

Now we take to the water, passing the huge cliffs of the island of Hoy.......

.....and the magnificent Old Man of Hoy.

Soon, we're back on the Scottish mainland, at the port of Scrabster. 

That's where I'll leave you for now. The next post will see us wandering around Caithness. Follow the route on the map.