News • Orkney Crofts - The best self-catering accommodation in Orkney.

The 5,000-year-old figurine, which is also known as the Westray Wife, was found last summer by archaeologists excavating the Links of Noltland on the Orkney island of Westray.

It will be displayed at Kilmartin House Museum at Kilmartin until April 18, before being taken to Urquhart Castle, near Drumnadrochit, where it will be exhibited from April 22 to May 9.

The Venus will return to Orkney for the summer season, first at Westray Heritage Centre and then at Orkney Museum in Kirkwall.

The relic is made from sandstone and depicts a human face and body, and its name comes from a resemblance to prehistoric carvings from elsewhere in Europe, which are often referred to as Venus figurines.

The Byre at Heddle was one of only two private residences on Mainland Orkney to receive a "Highly Commended," award from the Orkney Heritage Society for Architectural Merit in the bi-annual (2007-2009) Laura Grimond Awards.

East Heddle was awarded five star status by the Scottish Tourist Board, August 2009. As of this date 40 % of all 5 star self-catering properties in Orkney are now run by Orkneycrofts.com

Orkneycrofts.com has also been graded at the first time of inspection by the Green Tourism Business Scheme at a Silver Standard for environmental impact and business process.

We are confident that now we understand the full criteria required that we can improve this rating to the Gold award next year.

Orkney Brewery has secured a historic double, taking both first and second place in the prestigious Champion Beer of Scotland competition, which was held in Edinburgh on Thursday.

The brewery's 3.8 per cent Raven Ale won the overall title of Champion Beer, with its 4.0 per cent Red MacGregor ale placing second. The competition forms part of the Scottish Real Ale Festival, currently underway in the capital.

East Heddle Is nearly done. Six years in the making. It exceeds expectations, it is amazing, everything we could have dreamed.