Gairsay, Shaalder Apartments

Gairsay is one of the Shaalder Apartments on West Tankerness Lane, a self-catering flat set in the centre of town and within easy walking distance of everything you'd want close by. It's a practical, comfortable base for exploring, and the standout feature from the photos is the generously sized bathroom — a real luxury when you're travelling as a group.

Where you'll sleep

Sleeping 4 across its bedrooms, Gairsay is geared towards families and small groups who want their own space in town. The bathroom is the real talking point: a large, light-filled room finished in pale tones with a full-size bath, a separate walk-in shower behind a curtain, a pedestal basin, WC and a heated towel rail with fresh towels hung ready. There's a wooden bath caddy and duckboard, and plenty of floor space — far roomier than you usually get in a town apartment.

The setting

The location is the strong suit here. You're a short stroll from the harbour, where you can watch the boats and catch the sun going down over the water, and just along from the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral, the red-and-yellow sandstone landmark that lights up beautifully at night. For families, the nearby Pickaquoy Centre offers a bowling alley and a buzzing arcade — handy on a wet afternoon. With shops, cafes and ferry connections all close at hand, it's a well-connected spot for getting around Orkney without relying on a car.

Perfect for

Two bedrooms sleeping 4, with WiFi, a full kitchen and laundry on site — this suits families and small groups who want a central, walkable base with that unusually spacious bathroom to come back to.