These two island groups
are situated northeast of the Scottish mainland – see the
Travel section for details of air and sea connections. The islands
are of particular interest to sea anglers, birdwatchers and rock
climbers. Birds are the main attraction on National-Trust-owned
Fair Isle, between Orkney and Shetland.
Orkney
The Pentland Firth separates Orkney from the mainland. The
islands are fertile, although with few trees, and enjoy a mild,
variable climate. The main town, on Mainland, is Kirkwall,
with a cathedral and many other places of interest. Orkney is full
of prehistoric sites, including the Stone Age village of Skara
Brae, the Maes Howe burial mound, and the standing stones
at the Ring of Brogar. For further information contact the
Orkney Tourist
Board
On the other side of Scapa Flow is Hoy, whose cliffs
and windswept sandstone landscape make it one of the most dramatic
of the Orkney group. Other islands include South Ronaldsay and
Westray.
Shetland
This group of 100 rugged islands of which 15 are inhabited is the
most northerly part of Britain. Their climate is mild considering
their northerly latitude (the same as southern Alaska). The chief
town of Lerwick, on Mainland, the largest island, relied
in former days on fishing but now benefits from North Sea oil. Places
of interest include the island of Foula, the Jarlshof Bronze
Age settlement, the nature reserve on Noss, Mousa Broch on
uninhabited Mousa, and the world’s most northerly castle
on Unst. For further information contact the Tourist
Board |
