As mentioned elsewhere, Orkney held the title of Scotland’s best place to live for eight years in a row – thanks to high employment levels, low crime rate, strong exam results, smaller primary class sizes and good health and happiness scores.
If it’s choice you’re looking for then Orkney has supermarkets in Kirkwall, Dounby and Stromness, but more importantly there is a fantastic range of independent local shops, providing an invaluable service.
There’s a real sense of community in Orkney, with local groups, services, clubs and societies vibrant and open to all.
