The landscapes of the fertile agricultural islands of Orkney, thanks to its base of Old Red Sandstone, contrast with the more rugged Shetland islands 100 miles further north with its poorer soil and therefore depending much more on the wealth of the sea.
What is the most northerly Scottish island?
Unst is the ultimate Shetland destination – the absolute end of every Great North Road in Britain, it has the northernmost of everything. It is also one of the most spectacular, varied and interesting islands in Europe.
What island is north of Shetland?
The main island of the group is known as Mainland. The next largest are Yell, Unst
What are the islands just north of Scotland?
The Northern Isles (Scots: Northren Isles; Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan a Tuath; Old Norse: Norðreyjar; Norn: Nordøjar) are a pair of archipelagos off the north coast of mainland Scotland, comprising Orkney and Shetland.
How far north are the Shetland Islands?
Shetland Islands, also called Zetland or Shetland, group of about 100 islands, fewer than 20 of them inhabited, in Scotland, 130 miles (210 km) north of the Scottish mainland, at the northern extremity of the United Kingdom. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland.
Is Shetland closer to Scotland or Norway?
Shetland is around 170 km (106 mi) north of mainland Scotland and 350 km (217 mi) west of Bergen, Norway.
What country owns the Shetland Islands?
Lying roughly 100 miles off the north east coast of Scotland , the Shetland Islands are the northern-most tip of Scotland. The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean, on the west, from the North Sea on the east.
What is the best time of year to visit the Shetland Islands?
The best time to visit the Shetlands is the summer , from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.
How long is the ferry from Scotland to Shetland?
The ferry is the most leisurely way to get to Shetland and the anticipation of going to sleep in one place and waking up in another is all part of the adventure. Relax on the 12-13 hour journey in the comfort of a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining chair and make use of facilities, like the restaurant, bar and cinema.
Why is there no trees in Shetland?
There are numerous shelter belts around the islands and many gardens have a good selection of trees and shrubs. ... The real reasons for the lack of trees are to do with clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep , which have prevented natural regeneration.
What is the prettiest Scottish island?
Harris & Lewis
Number 1 of Scotland’s 5 Most Beautiful Islands? Harris and Lewis; there is a lifetime of adventure and discovery in those two names. Once thought to be two islands as any travel between them was undertaken by boat, we now know these as one landmass.
What is the most westerly Scottish island?
The most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides is one of the windiest yet sunniest places in Scotland, due to the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream. Tiree is known for its pristine beaches, popular with windsurfers, and its fertile machair land with many crofts.
Which is the best Scottish island to visit?
- Arran. Our journey begins on the incredible island of Arran. ...
- Bute. Our second Scottish island is beautiful Bute. ...
- Islay & Jura. ...
- Colonsay. ...
- Mull. ...
- Rum & Canna. ...
- Skye & Raasay. ...
- North & South Uist.
Can anyone live in Shetland?
Eleanor Doughty explores life on Scotland’s myriad beautiful islands. No man is an island, as John Donne wrote, but, north of the border, you can live on one .
What language is spoken in the Shetland islands?
The Shetland language or dialect is described as Modern Shetlandic Scots (a form of the Scots language) by some linguists.
Is it expensive to live in Shetland?
Talking to people on the streets of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, there’s pretty much unanimous agreement. Living in the islands costs more than living down south – on the Scottish mainland .
