Orkney is a group of islands off the north coast of Scotland. It consists of the inhabited islands of Auskerry, Burray, Eday, Egilsay, Flotta, Gairsay, Graemsay, Holm of Grimbister, Hoy, the Mainland, North Ronaldsay, Papa Stronsay, Papa Westray, Rousay, Sanday, Shapinsay, South Ronaldsay, Stronsay, Westray, and Wyre. Orkney also contains the towns of Kirkwall (a burgh from 1486 or earlier until 1975) and Stromness (a burgh from 1817 until 1975). Orkney County Council was established by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, taking over powers from the Commissioners of Supply, County Road Trust, and other local authorities. The County Council was abolished in 1975 by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973, and the former county became Orkney Islands Council.

Archive services
The Orkney Library & Archive
National Archives of Scotland
University of Aberdeen, Special Libraries and Archives
National Library of Scotland
Further information about these archives can be found in the SCAN Directory.

Local studies libraries
The Orkney Library & Archive, Laing Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1NW.

Family History Societies
Further information about these societies can be found in the SCAN Directory.
Orkney Family History Society

Historical records

County Council records
County Constabulary records
Medical Officer of Health reports
Vehicle Licensing Records
Valuation Rolls

Sheriffdoms
JP court records
Register of sasines
Other records

Contributors
Alison Fraser (Orkney Library and Archive), Robin Urquhart (SCAN)