10 things you must see on a visit to the incredible Orkney Islands

FROM sands to standing stones, Orkney is an oasis of attractions.

The islands are the ideal holiday destination as they include sandy beaches, historic sites and lots of wildlife.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s world-class local produce and creative arts and crafts.

Here’s our list of the must see attractions on any visit to the archipelago.

Moulded around an old Nissen Hut from whatever scraps they had by Italian Prisoners of War during World War Two.

Truly one of the world’s great dive sites. Qualified divers can savour some remarkable wreck dives.

Sliding into this burial cairn on South Ronaldsay is all part of the fun at this oddball, but deeply fun historical site.

Walking out to gaze over this striking rock stack is the best way to really appreciate its drama.

Scapa Flow is awash with war history from both World Wars when it was a major British Navy base.

The ferry trip out to this remote island is all part of the fun as you snake through the Orcadian archipelago.

The highlights are Midhowe Cairn, a 3,500-year-old burial chamber and striking Midhowe Broch.

The tiny skip from Papa Westray to Westray is the world’s shortest flight, taking just over a minute!

Venture to this mini Skara Brae out on Papa Westray and you’ll usually be the only one soaking in the traces of our ancestors.

Neolithic sites, lovely beaches and plenty of wildlife make this a great island for rambling around.