• Aikerness beach, Orkney - image by Colin Keldie

Orkney in running for BBC Countryfile award

Orkney has been nominated for the Best Holiday Destination title in the annual BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards again, so what makes the islands so special?

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that Orkney is a fantastic place for a holiday, but now it appears that the word is really getting out!

The islands have been shortlisted as the Best Holiday Destination in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2020, alongside some other beautiful locations, including Anglesey, the Isle of Wight and the Severn Valley.

It’s a real honour for Orkney, especially given it's the second year in a row the islands have been shortlisted - coming in runner-up in 2019. Now it's over to you guys – the winners will be decided by a public vote which closes on February 28th, so visit the official website and show your support for Orkney!

Viewing the shortlist got us thinking; what is it about Orkney that makes it the perfect holiday destination? We've put together some ideas - click on each photo below to find out more...

We'd love to know what you think is so special about Orkney, and why it's your favourite holiday destination - get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to let us know!

In 2018 more than 180,000 votes were cast by nearly 30,000 people, the biggest response the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards had ever experienced. Competition is fierce, so please do give the Orkney nominees your vote if you can. Find out how to vote via the offical website.


The Digital Orkney project has been part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014-2020

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