We have just returned from a visit to The Orkney Islands, after four or five days we had seen all of the main attractions on mainland Orkney (very interesting) and decided to do a bit of island hopping we jumped on the morning ferry to Sanday (approx 1.5hrs) from Kirkwall.Well what a place, fantastic clean sandy empty beaches,seals basking on the rocks, everywhere you looked birdlife of every species,eider arctic terns,long eared owls certainly a place that anyone interested in ornithology would appreciate.
We stayed at the local 2star Kettletoft Hotel,we were made very welcome and the food was A1 and good value.
The rooms were very clean and tidy with the usual coffee making facilities,and what a nights entertainment with a local 3 piece band playing blues and jazz till late into the night,oh the local Dark Island brew also went down Quite a treat.
Well worth a visit to the island if you are in Orkney
We shall certainly return to Sanday this year as we have a fly fishing holiday booked via the Kettletoft Hotel they are doing a very reasonable package including food, accommodation use of a loch boat and packed lunch.
Visit their site at kettletofthotel they have a slide show on the website showing Sanday what to see and do.

Regards