(If it is more convenient for delegates to make their own travel arrangements to Kirkwall then please let us know, and we will make alternative arrangements for meeting you on arrival in Kirkwall.)

The Islands of Orkney are a group of about 70 islands and skerries situated 10km (6.2 miles) from the north-east tip of the Scottish Mainland. The largest island, known as ‘the mainland’, is home to most of the total 20,000 population.

The main industry in Orkney is beef farming and much of the islands are turned over to farm land. Tourism is another major industry providing a wide variety of employment and income. Fishing is also an evident activity here and Orkney has the largest crab processing plant in the UK. The oil industry has made its mark on Orkney with the large oil terminal on the island of Flotta. The arts and crafts industry also supports a large number of employees and Orkney is one of the major jewellery producing counties in the UK. The renewable energy industry (wind, wave and tidal) is emerging as a major employer and as this fledgling industry grows Orkney has become a major player in this field.

Stromness is the second biggest town in Orkney and undoubtedly the most picturesque. The town grew up around the sheltered harbour of Hamnavoe as the fishing industry grew and trade routes opened with Canada. The narrow winding street follows the shoreline and houses along the waterfront have private piers and slipways. The award winning Pier Arts Centre is also found in the centre of the town and the museum gives an excellent account of Orkney’s maritime history.

More recent historical attractions are the sunken remains of the German High Seas Fleet which was scuttled in Scapa Flow in 1919 and divers travel from all over the world to dive on these wrecks. There is much evidence of the military and naval activity, particularly around Scapa Flow, and there is an excellent visitor centre at Lyness on Hoy dedicated to this more recent history.