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New page: The '''Shetland''' Islands are the most northerly county of the British Isles. Lying to the north of the Orkney Islands, the group comprises the large Mainland or Zetland, Yell, Un...
The '''Shetland''' Islands are the most northerly county of the [[British Isles]]. Lying to the north of the [[Orkney]] Islands, the group comprises the large Mainland or Zetland, Yell, Unst, Fetlar and Whalsay, the isolated outlying islands of Foula and Fair Isle, and many smaller stacks and skerries.
The islands are on the whole low-lying, windswept, waterlogged and desolate. There is a conspicuous absence of trees. Only a few of the islands are inhabited. The capital is at Kirkwall on Mainland, and other important settlements are at Sumburgh, Scalloway, Otterswick and Baltasound.
== Economy ==
Farming activities on the islands are today mostly restricted to the rough grazing of [[sheep]] and Highland [[cattle]], though historically [[crofting|crofters]] grew [[oats]], [[barley]] and mangelwurzels for their own use. The islands have characteristic breeds of pony and sheepdog, both considerably smaller than mainland varieties.
Fishing, especially for [[cod]] and ling was historically important, the catches being exported in Medieval times to the cities of the [[Hanseatic League]].
Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.
Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the islands womenfolk today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices.
== Wildlife ==
Native wildlife includes large [[seal]] colonies of both grey and common seals, and there are many local tales about [[mermaid]]s who disguised themselves as seals.
[[Basking shark]]s migrate past the islands.
Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[puffin]]s.
The isolated nature of the islands draws in a surprising number of avian rarities, especially in spring and autumn, from as far afield as [[Siberia]] and [[Alaska]], which in turn draw large numbers of birdwatchers.
[[Category:UK Counties]]
[[Category:Scottish Islands]]
The islands are on the whole low-lying, windswept, waterlogged and desolate. There is a conspicuous absence of trees. Only a few of the islands are inhabited. The capital is at Kirkwall on Mainland, and other important settlements are at Sumburgh, Scalloway, Otterswick and Baltasound.
== Economy ==
Farming activities on the islands are today mostly restricted to the rough grazing of [[sheep]] and Highland [[cattle]], though historically [[crofting|crofters]] grew [[oats]], [[barley]] and mangelwurzels for their own use. The islands have characteristic breeds of pony and sheepdog, both considerably smaller than mainland varieties.
Fishing, especially for [[cod]] and ling was historically important, the catches being exported in Medieval times to the cities of the [[Hanseatic League]].
Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.
Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the islands womenfolk today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices.
== Wildlife ==
Native wildlife includes large [[seal]] colonies of both grey and common seals, and there are many local tales about [[mermaid]]s who disguised themselves as seals.
[[Basking shark]]s migrate past the islands.
Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[puffin]]s.
The isolated nature of the islands draws in a surprising number of avian rarities, especially in spring and autumn, from as far afield as [[Siberia]] and [[Alaska]], which in turn draw large numbers of birdwatchers.
[[Category:UK Counties]]
[[Category:Scottish Islands]]