Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, lies to the east of the mainland at the north side of a narrow neck which divides Mainland in two.
The town gets a mention in the Orkneyinga Saga, a Norse epic tale from the twelth century.
Dominating the town is the great sandstone cathederal of St Magnus which was built (or part of which was built) 850 years ago.
Nearby is the Bishop's Palace which was built at around the same time - although this was rebuilt some 400 years later.
Across the road from the Bishop's Palace is the Earl's Palace, built for the hated Earl Patrick Stewart during the Renaissance.
Kirkwall Airport provides direct links to airports at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Shetland.
Ferries from Kirkwall travel to the northern Orkney Islands.
To the map of Orkney.