The Sands Hotel, Orkney

The Sands Hotel sits on the waterfront at Burray, a beautifully converted old stone herring store given a bold modern face of timber and glass. The Norwegian flag flies out front, there is a stretch of green between the building and the shore, and the views run straight out across the water — the sort of place where you might watch a line of ducks file along the beach as the sun goes down.

Rooms & comfort

The bedrooms make the most of the building's character, several tucked under the pitched eaves with skylights letting in the big Orkney sky. Beds are dressed in crisp white linen finished with tartan throws, and there is a writing desk with a TV and a tea tray, plus a comfy armchair to settle into. Furnishings are warm and homely, with pine and check fabrics giving the rooms a proper island feel.

The location

Burray is linked to the Mainland by the Churchill Barriers, so you have a quiet shoreside setting with the rest of Orkney easy to reach by car — the Italian Chapel and Kirkwall are both a short drive north.

Good to know

There is a sea view, free Wi-Fi, a TV and on-site parking, plus a kitchen, washer and family-friendly rooms for those who want flexibility. The food is honest and generous — a freshly toasted sandwich with a proper side salad is just the thing after a windy walk.

Perfect for

With room for up to four, this suits a couple or a small family who want a characterful waterfront base, sea views from the window and easy reach of the southern isles and the Mainland alike.