Shetland Islands

Shetland Islands (sometimes historically spelled Zetland, formerly Hjaltland) is one of 32 unitary council regions in Scotland. It is a Scottish island group between the Orkney Islands and the Faroe Islands north of mainland Britain. Total area is approximately 1469km², the administrative centre and largest town is Lerwick.

The Shetlands were originally a Norwegian colony, and were pawned to the crown of Scotland on February 20, 1472.

Main islands are:

• Mainland
• Yell
• Unst
• Fetlar

Nearby are Foula and Fair Isle.

Famous places:

• Mousa broch
• Jarlshof settlement

Main Industries:

• Crude oil and Natural gas production
• Agriculture
• Fishing

Language:

• The older Norn was replaced by Scots which in turn is being replaced by Scottish English.

External links

• Shetland Islands Council's official website
• Shetland Dialect