The Orkney Story

Relatively remote (off the northeast coast of Scotland), the sparsely populated Orkneys have much to offer the touristespecially birders, archaeology buffs and nature-lovers. The 70 islands are an important breeding ground for seabirds and are on a major migration route. Here we find more ancient monuments dating from the Stone Age than anywhere else in northern Europe. And there are cliffs, gloups, seals and seaweed-eating sheep. Schei has written a comprehensive guide to the islands that includes history (Norse to Scots), folklore and cultural heritage, place names and language. She examines the lives and occupations of modern Orcadians and their system of local government and concludes with brief descriptions of the two cities, Stromness and Kirkwall and specific islands (Joy, Mainland, Westray, etc.). Moberg's fine photographs are an additional lure to phone one's travel agent. December 31