Orkney is a truly magical island which must surely offer everything you could possibly want in a holiday.  Stunning scenery, a rich history, wildlife galore, beaches,  dramatic coastlines, peace and quiet, yet lots to do if you wish - the list goes on.

In the south of the island, in a quiet and quite stunning location situation, with glorious views across Widewall Bay and the infamous Scapa Flow, is Tofts Cottage.   This delightful stone dwelling has been completely refurbished and refurnished to combine traditional features, with all modern comforts, with central heating and a multi-fuel stove ensuring its snugness.  It stands in a large cottage garden with trees (something of a rarity on Orkney!) providing refuge for many small birds and with direct access to the shore, where you can look out for dolphins, whales and of course, seabirds.

While the whole of the Orkney 'mainland' is easily accessible from the cottage, some of its best known attractions are very close by.  These include the impressive Churchill barriers, which you will have to cross to reach the 'mainland' proper, the lovely and evocative Italian Chapel, created by the Italian prisoners of war who spent their captivity on Orkney and formed lasting friendships in the local community; and the Tomb of the Eagles, one of Orkney's many burial chambers (this one accessed by lying flat on a bogey and wheeling your way in!)

Orkney has been inhabited for over 4000 years and no visit is complete without a visit to Skara Brae, one of the best preserved Stone Age villages in Europe.  The burial chamber at Maes Howe with its Viking graffiti (nothing changes!) and the Broch of Gurness are also well worth seeing.  Take a walk along the cliffs at Marwick Head on the north west of the island, off which HMS Hampshire was sunk by a mine in 1916 with Lord Kitchener among the casualties, and where there is an RSPB reserve.  Or walk out to Yesnaby Head to view the rock pinnacles rising from the sea.  Take time to explore both the capital, Kirkwall, with its cathedral and Bishop's Palace and the second town, Stromness, with its quaint old narrow streets.

Or go island hopping.  There are ferries to all the offshore islands, all of which have their own attractions.  The most accessible is probably Hoy, where from Rackwick Bay, (sandy beach) you can walk round the cliffs to the famous Old Man of Hoy, the pinnacle you may well have seen from the sea if you arrive via Stromness.  The Scapa Flow Visitor Centre at Lyness is an unusual museum to the island's war time history, with fascinating audio-visual displays - allow plenty of time for a visit.

The nearest settlement to the cottage is St Margaret's Hope (shop, restaurants) a delightful and picturesque little village, which additionally has the distinction of being home to one of Scotland's foremost restaurants, The Creel, on the harbourfront.

Bed linen, towels, heating, electricity and a starter pack of logs are all INCLUDED.  Sorry, no pets, and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.