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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 '''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.

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 [[Lerwick]] on Mainland, and other important settlements are at Sumburgh, Scalloway, Otterswick and Baltasound.

The name Zetland was until the early 20th century applied to the county as a whole; and survives in the truncated form of the postcode (US: zip code) prefix for the islands, which is ZE. It is also the gorigin of the given name Zeta, popular for Shetland girl children an still sometimes encountered, for example in the film actress Catherine Zeta Jones, from [[Swansea}}, [[Wales]], whose maternal grandmother was a Shetlander.

The name Zetland was, until the early 20th century, applied to the county as a whole; and survives in the truncated form of the postcode (US: zip code) prefix for the islands, which is ZE. It is also the origin of the given name Zeta, popular for Shetland girl children and still sometimes encountered, for example in the film actress Catherine Zeta Jones, from [[Swansea]], [[Wales]], whose maternal grandmother was a Shetlander.

== Economy ==

== Economy ==

Fishing, especially for [[cod]] and ling was historically important, the catches being exported in Medieval times to the cities of the [[Hanseatic League]].

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.

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.

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 island's women today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices. In 1834 James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan visited the islands and ordered some of the local knitwear, but with a system of [[buttons]] fastening the front. This garment is still known as a cardigan.

== Wildlife ==

== 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.

Native wildlife includes large [[seal]] colonies of both Atlantic 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.

[[Basking shark]]s migrate to the islands to give birth, and sometimes [[white shark]]s and other more tropical fish are seen.

Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[puffin]]s.

Internationally important colonies of sea birds including [[gannet]]s, [[guillemot]]s, [[razorbill]]s, [[shag]]s and [[puffin]]s are found, along with nearly 98% of Scotlands population of [[great skua]]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.

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:United Kingdom Counties]]

[[Category:Scottish Islands]]

[[Category:Scottish Islands]]