Northern Isles

Northern Isles

Location
Northern Isles Northern Isles shown within Scotland
OS grid reference	HY99
Coordinates	59°50′N 2°00′W / 59.833°N 2.000°W / 59.833; -2.000
Physical geography
Island group	British Isles
Area	2,464 km2[1]
Highest elevation	Ward Hill 481 m (1,578 ft)
Administration
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Country	Scotland
Demographics
Population	44,516[2]
Population density	18/km2
Largest settlement	Kirkwall

The Northern Isles (Scots: Northern Isles; Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan a Tuath; Old Norse: Norðreyjar; Norn: Nordøjar) are a chain (or archipelago) of islands off the north coast of mainland Scotland. The climate is cool and temperate and highly influenced by the surrounding seas. There are two main island groups: Shetland and Orkney. There are a total of 36 inhabited islands, with the fertile agricultural islands of Orkney contrasting with the more rugged Shetland islands to the north, where the economy is more dependent on fishing and the oil wealth of the surrounding seas. Both archipelagos have a developing renewable energy industry. They share a common Pictish and Norse history, and were part of the Kingdom of Norway before being absorbed into the Kingdom of Scotland in the 15th century. The islands played a significant naval role during the world wars of the 20th century.

Tourism is important to both archipelagos, with their distinctive prehistoric ruins playing a key part in their attraction, and there are regular ferry and air connections with mainland Scotland. The Scandinavian influence remains strong, especially in local folklore and both island chains have strong, though distinct local cultures. The names of the islands are dominated by the Norse heritage, although some may retain pre-Celtic elements.