Thanks Doncatterall.   

So far were looking at going to the Shetland festival at the start of may, having a look at orkney before we go to the Outer islands. A good way of spending most of my retirement lump sum. The actual timing of when we are on each island depends upon the friends who I hope are going to join us.

i've read the tourist info books - I just wondered if a local person could give any insights into the ' must see/ do things. For example in Kent in May we get the apple blossom, and one of the best ways to see it is to drive down the M2 motorway. No guide book would explain that. Do you have the equivalent for May on the islands?
FloraG.