orkney islands

[michael_sharp]

Hi, has anyone been to stay on the orkney islands, and can you please advise if you have seen the northern lights and what time of year as resticted to school holidays. Thank you.

 

[Countrylass]

Hi Michael
I've been to Orkney lots of times but never seen the Aurora there. I've seen them a few times in winter near to home in North East Scotland but not for quite a few years. Generally it's too light in summer too see them. My husband, who is Orcadian, remembers lying in the garden in his childhood watching the lights on cold winter nights.
If you google "Aurora Watch" it'll take you to the University of Lancs site which has lots of advice on how, when and where to see the aurora. Hope this helps but if not then visit Orkney anyway as it's a lovely place.

 

[Oklahoma]

Hi, my friend lives in Orkney so I asked her and the reply was similar to the previous one. Here's what she said
"Hello! I had my folks for lunch today and Richie's Mum and we came up with the verdict (after much discussion!!) that the Northern lights are best seen in the winter months but particularly Jan/Feb, when the wind is to the south (I think!) and it's cold/icey/snowy as the skies are clearer and you can see them dance more vividly."

 

[Robert_374373903]

We were at Glen Elg in October last year and saw the lights, it was about 7pm and at first we thought it was a strobe light operating some where, however it then went as seen on films.

 

[haggarj2]

Lived on shetland previously been over to Orkney many times now live just outside Thurso on the mainland but you can see Orkney from there have seen the light when on Shetland and Orkney.Can also see them from where I live on the mainland now they are quite exceptional think there is a video doing the rounds on facebook or youtube at the moment showing the lights. Well worth seeing around September/October time

 

[Wanderer1]

Hi Michael,
Would not want to put a dampener on any proposed visit to Orkney, a wonderful place, but something to be aware of is the crossing to Orkney.
Carried out a lot of contracting work on the island over the years and the Pentland Firth can be quite a "lumpy" crossing, have witnessed vending machines coming adrift in the galley and several other incidents.
Providing all your party can travel by sea happily go for it but as I say be aware of the possibilities.
Sorry never witnessed "the lights"
Regards.