Orkney and Skye in top 10 European island vote

• Orkney’s Mainland and Skye have been voted among Europe’s top 10 most popular islands

• Mainland came fifth ahead of Gozo in Malta and Greek island Zakynthos

• Skye came in ninth ahead of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands

Orkney’s Mainland has came fifth in the poll ahead of Mediterranean isles Gozo in Malta and the Greek island Zakynthos, as well as Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Skye also made the top ten, coming ninth ahead of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

In the UK top ten, five Scottish islands feature, with Orkney’s Mainland winning. Skye, Mull, Lewis and Harris and Arran also feature.

The 2013 Travellers’ Choice Islands Awards was carried out by TripAdvisor based on thousands of reviews by the website’s users.

Emma Shaw from the company said: “It’s great to see so many Scottish islands recognised by travellers, proving that islands don’t have to offer exotic sunshine.”

Of Mainland island in Orkney, Tripadvisor states: “The aptly named Mainland is the main island of Orkney, a collection of Scottish islands with serious Viking cred.

“On West Mainland you’ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village.

“Cap off your visit with a hoppy glug from the Orkney Brewery. Over on the East side, marvel at a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, take a provincial stroll through St. Mary’s Village or just dip your toes in at Mill Sands or Dingieshowe Beach.

Of the Isle of Skye, it states: “The landscape is dramatic—even a bit moody, with the Cuillin Range in the background—but outdoorsy kids will have a blast on the Isle of Skye.

“Plenty of water sports are available, and you’ll also find great hiking and even pony rides. Portree, the largest town, makes a great base for exploring this striking island.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “For two Scottish destinations to feature in Europe’s top-ten islands is fantastic recognition for the unique beauty and eternal appeal of Scotland’s islands.

“It is particularly apt in the Year of Natural Scotland, something which celebrates our country’s outstanding natural beauty.”

Europe

1 - Santorini – Greece

2 - Cephalonia – Greece

3 - Island of Capri – Italy

4 - Naxos – Greece

5 - Mainland, Orkney Islands – Scotland

6 - Island of Gozo – Malta

7 - Zakynthos – Greece

8 - Jersey, Channel Islands – Britain

9 - Isle of Skye – Scotland

10 - Fuerteventura – Canary Islands

1 - Mainland, Orkney Islands – Scotland

2 - Jersey – Channel Islands

3 - Isle of Skye, The Hebrides – Scotland

4 - Isle of Mull, The Hebrides – Scotland

5 - Lewis and Harris, The Hebrides – Scotland

6 - Isle of Arran – Scotland

7 - Isle of Man – British Isles

8 - Island of Anglesey – Wales

9 - Isle of Wight, Hampshire – England

10 - Guernsey – Channel Islands