The three main settlements on Mainland, in order of magnitude are Kirkwall and Stromness, both of which are burghs, and Finstown.

Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital city of the islands, is on the isthmus between west Mainland and east Mainland, which historically enabled it to have highly active harbours facing in two directions for the southern and northern Orkney Islands; the southern one, Scapa Flow, is a large, calm and immediately ocean-accessible natural harbour.
Kirkwall has the seat of the Bishop of Orkney, and St. Magnus Cathedral is to be found there.
It is also one of the island's ferry ports.

Stromness
A long-established seaport that grew with the expansion of whaling, Stromness has a population of approximately 2,200 residents.
The old town is clustered along the main street, flanked with houses and shops built from local stone, with narrow lanes and alleys branching off it.
There is a ferry link to Scrabster in Caithness on the Scottish mainland as well as the Isle of Hoy.

Finstown
Finstown is the third largest settlement, and used to be known as the "Toon o' Firth".
The origin of its name is thought to be from an Irishman named David Phin who came to the area in 1811.
It is on the direct Stromness to Kirkwall road.
The three main settlements on Mainland, in order of magnitude are Kirkwall and Stromness, both of which are burghs, and Finstown.
Kirkwall
Kirkwall, the capital city of the islands, is on the isthmus between west Mainland and east Mainland, which historically enabled it to have highly active harbours facing in two directions for the southern and northern Orkney Islands; the southern one, Scapa Flow, is a large, calm and immediately ocean-accessible natural harbour. Kirkwall has the seat of the Bishop of Orkney, and St. Magnus Cathedral is to be found there. It is also one of the island's ferry ports.
Stromness
A long-established seaport that grew with the expansion of whaling, Stromness has a population of approximately 2,200 residents. The old town is clustered along the main street, flanked with houses and shops built from local stone, with narrow lanes and alleys branching off it. There is a ferry link to Scrabster in Caithness on the Scottish mainland as well as the Isle of Hoy.
Finstown
Finstown is the third largest settlement, and used to be known as the "Toon o' Firth". The origin of its name is thought to be from an Irishman named David Phin who came to the area in 1811. It is on the direct Stromness to Kirkwall road.
Mainland, Orkney