Kirkquoy is in an amazing location, looking over Loch Harray. We had some beautiful sunsets and loved the resident oyster catchers and curlews – my daughter even spotted an Orkney vole one morning. The Ring of Brodgar and the standing stones of Stenness are on the other side of the loch, and there’s a Co-op and petrol at Dounby (about 5 minutes away). The house has everything you need – everything is new and there are two bathrooms, one with a bath and both with great showers. And the light is amazing – Recommend Evie Beach and the Evie Bakehouse for sourdough bread and pizza (though you need to book in advance). The Broch of Gurness is amazing and much quieter than Skara Brae. The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness has a great collection and is definitely worth a visit. We had a lovely meal at The Storehouse in Kirkwall and we also had some amazing (but wild and rainy) days out on Rousay, Westray, Papa Westray and Eday. Orkney is full of brochs, cairns, wildflowers, seabirds and sky – it is incredibly beautiful in both the sunshine and the wind and rain – definitely recommend it and Kirkquoy as a place to stay.
