Orkney and Shetland

Lying at the very edge of Europe, the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides share a rugged natural beauty, with unspoilt beaches, plentiful wildlife with a unique culture and tradition.

Orkney and Shetland share many of these qualities and supplement them with some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Europe, found in the burial mounds, stones circles and settlements of the earliest peoples. Shetland’s beautiful and dramatic ice carved landscape is steeped in treasures of history that go back over 5,000 years. Shetlanders have a deep sense of belonging.

Their home is a place of intricate heritage, spectacular beauty and powerful spirit. The discovery of North Sea oil off the Shetland coast in the early 1970’s led to the construction of Sullom Voe, the largest oil terminal in Europe. The impact of the oil industry has meant that there are extensive engineering, electrical and fabrication facilities. The oil revenue has enabled Shetland Islands Council to provide excellent roads throughout the islands, and a very effective network of bridges and ferries to allow easy access between them all. All of the modern day-to-day facilities are readily available, with garages, food shops, taxi firms, clothing shops, hotels, B&B’s, IT facilities, excellent health care and everything else you might need.

Indeed, Shetland is better provided for than almost any other community of its size and has more readily accessible facilities than most other rural areas anywhere in the United Kingdom. Located off the northern tip of Scotland where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, Orkney is an archipelago of 70 or so islands and currently 17 of them are inhabited. Around 20,000 people live in Orkney, with most people living in the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. Kirkwall is a port with ferry services to Aberdeen and Lerwick.

It is also one of the most attractive and well-preserved small towns in Scotland. Originally inhabited by Neolithic tribes and then by the Picts, Orkney was invaded and finally annexed by Norway in 875 and settled by the Norse. It was subsequently annexed to the Scottish Crown in 1472, following the failed payment of a dowry agreement. Orkney also has a vibrant contemporary culture.

Throughout the year there are festivals and events ranging from the magical midsummer St Magnus Festival to the annual agricultural shows and sporting events.