Shetland Islands
By law shall land be built
A Fusion of Scandinavian and Scottish culture in an amazing archipelago of islands of the north coast of Scotland.
Lying about 100 mile of the northeast coast of Scotland the Shetland Isles despite its remoteness, Out Stack is the northernmost point of the British Isles, it is still part of the British Isles.
This ancient region has a rich and unique history. The visitor will be amazed by the islands wild landscape and bird life as well as its archaeology.
This group of islands consists of three large islands, Mainland, Uist and Yell but also include several smaller isles.
Although part of Scotland there is a definitive Scandinavian flavour as you would expect the islands for a long time were part of Norway and also the Viking influence is still apparent in place names etc. This fusion is reflected in the islands motto by law shall land be built, a Danish Icelandic phrase.
The islands are wild and open with spectacular coastlines in places although northerly the year round climate is classed as moderate. The islands are well known for the diminutive Shetland pony as well as colonies of seabirds such as puffins. The islands have three nature reserves, which include these colonies.
The largest town is lerwick and has about half the population total for the archipelago scalloway on the west coast has a much smaller population. Only 16 out of about 100 islands are populated. The islands are known for the ancient archaeological importance. The uninhabited islands include Mousa, known for the Broch of Mousa, the finest preserved example in Scotland of these Iron Age round towers.
The collective site, "The Crucible of Iron Age Shetland", including Broch of Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof, joined the UKs "Tentative List" of World Heritage Sites. Shetland with its Scandinavian past and Scottish present is a place you will remember long after you leave.
Towns in Shetland Islands
| Lerwick |
Activities in Shetland Islands
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