Experience long midsummer days in Orkney

If you are looking for some of the longest midsummer days in the country and are keen on active holidays with walks and wildlife watching, Orkney is a great place to go.

In July these islands in northern Scotland get over 18 hours of daylight, with the sun scarcely sinking below the horizon.

Located at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea, Orkney is known for its natural beauty, remoteness, unique wildlife and friendly people.

Made up of over 70 islands, the islands offer many different opportunities for an active holiday, whether you want to take to the water by sailing, diving, windsurfing and kayaking, or enjoying the coastal views with walks and rock climbs.

Wildlife to see on the island includes dolphins, whales and seals, as well as puffins and gannets.

Its main towns are Kirkwall, which has some fantastic buildings, from cathedrals and lighthouses to ruined palaces, and the smaller Stromness, an atmospheric seaport where holidaymakers can explore the narrow alleyways of the old town built from local stone.

July is also a great time to visit thanks to the events taking place over the month, including bird-watching and nature walks led by experts and two sailing regattas.

Art and culture fans will also be keen to visit the islands during the 30th St Magnus Festival, which takes place over six days from July 22nd 2007.

As well as classical music performances from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and jazz concerts, the poet laureate Andrew Motion will be doing several nights of readings. Plays, puppet theatre and cabaret are also in the 2007 programme.

Orkney's main town of Kirkwall can be reached by air from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Tour operators specialising in Orkney holidays include and Ridgway Travel, See Scotland Differently and Orkney Island Holidays.

For more information on visiting Orkney see www.visitorkney.com