• Rackwick, Hoy - image by Will Mackenzie

Why Orkney?

Orkney is regularly voted one of the best places in the UK to live, so what is it that makes our islands so special?

Orkney is a vibrant, friendly and innovative community, one offering a range of unique professional opportunities and fresh challenges against the backdrop of an unrivalled quality of life.

We don’t consider ourselves to be remote or isolated in Orkney – if you’ve already visited, you’ll know we’re easy to reach and have everything you could possibly need right on our doorstep.

Top-class education and health care systems, great internal and external transport links, superb sports and leisure facilities and a thriving arts and culture scene are just part of the story.

It's no coincidence that the islands were named Scotland's best place to live for the eighth year in a row in the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey 2020. According to the results, our high employment levels, low crime rate, strong exam results, smaller primary class sizes and good health and happiness scores all make Orkney a warm and welcoming place to be.

The cost of living here is lower than you might think, with house prices well below the national average and plenty of choice within a buoyant property market.

Very low levels of crime and a strong sense of community also make Orkney a safe and secure environment for all ages.

Our employment opportunities cover everything from the traditional industries of farming and fishing, to professional services and ground-breaking new sectors such as renewable energy.

And, as an innovative and entrepreneurially minded community, there’s also lots of support available for new businesses. If you’ve got an idea, then we want to hear about it!

To sample life in Orkney for yourself and to be inspired by our islands, view our short film below...