Overview

In the era of globalisation and multichains these islands remain one of the few places in the UK which retain a true sense of 'otherness'. For centuries this archipelago was a Norse colony, but there were people here long before the Vikings. . . .

There are almost 3000 Neolithic sites on Orkney alone, including SKARA BRAE: the best preserved prehistoric village in Northern Europe, whose foundations were laid thousands of years before the birth of Christ.

There are more modern miracles too. 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. Every week millions of gallons of oil flow from the Ninian and Brent oilfields into Sullom Voe and then onto tankers and around the world, and the terminal is a major source of commerce and revenue for the area.

The Shetlands also has a long arts and crafts tradition. Inspired by the region's dramatic scenery, heritage and culture, local artisans produce a unique range of woodcraft, textiles, jewellery and leatherwork.