Scotland

Mainland (Orkney)

The largest of the Orkney Islands, dense with Neolithic monuments including Skara Brae, Maeshowe and the Ring of Brodgar.

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Mainland (Orkney)

Part of the Scotland islands map and the Orkney collection.

Names

English: Mainland; Scottish Gaelic: Mòr-thìr (Arcaibh); Welsh: Mainland; Also known as: Pomona

Geography

Low-lying and fertile, with sea cliffs at Yesnaby and Marwick Head. Surrounded by the smaller North and South Isles.

Geology

Bedrock: Middle Old Red Sandstone (Undifferentiated) (Conglomerate, Sandstone, Siltstone And Mudstone), Mid Devonian–Mid Devonian. Superficial deposits: Peat (Peat). Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026, licensed under the BGS Open Data Licence (OGL v3.0). Source: BGS DigMapGB-625 Bedrock & Superficial WMS.

History

Continuously inhabited for over 8,500 years. Skara Brae predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Norse rule until 1468, when Orkney was pledged to Scotland as part of a royal dowry.

How to reach it

NorthLink ferries from Aberdeen and Scrabster to Stromness or Kirkwall; Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope. Loganair flies into Kirkwall.

Accommodation

Hotels in Kirkwall and Stromness, plus B&Bs and self-catering across the island.

Nearby and related islands

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-08-13.