The islands have good air links to the rest of Scotland and the UK.

Kirkwall is 90 minutes from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, 45 minutes from Aberdeen and half an hour from Inverness.

British Airways operate flights from all of the above airports, all of which have excellent UK connections.

Kirkwall travel agent, Ridgeway travel are also pleased to help you with your travel arrangement. Visit the Ridgeway website.

Two ferry companies run services between Orkney and the Scottish mainland:

• Northlink ferries: Aberdeen/Kirkwall/Shetland; Thurso/Stromness
• the Jog Ferry: John O’Groats service to Burwick, in South Ronaldsay.

Air Travel

For help booking your flight from the U.S. or Canada, we have a travel agent: Think Travel, Inc. visit the ThinkTravel website — ask for Rachel.

Four airlines offer direct flights from the US that can put your feet on Scottish soil before you realize the in-flight movie’s over.

• Continental Airlines: Newark/New York Liberty to Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Delta Airlines: Atlanta to Edinburgh (May-October)
• US Airways: Philadelphia to Glasgow (May-October)
• American Airlines: Chicago to Glasgow (May-October)

• Canadian Affair: Toronto to Glasgow
• Zoom Airlines: Ottawa, Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver to Glasgow
• Air Transat: Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto to Glasgow; Toronto to Edinburgh

• Aerlingus
• Flights to Scotland