Mainland, Shetland facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Mòr-thìr |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Megenland |
| Meaning of name | Old Norse for 'mainland' |
 The cliffs of Eshaness, North Mainland. |
|
| OS grid reference | HU414553 |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Shetland |
| Area | 96,879 hectares (374 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 3 |
| Highest elevation | Ronas Hill 450 metres (1,476 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Shetland Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 18,765 |
| Population density | 19.41 people/km2 |
| Largest settlement | Lerwick |
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The Mainland is the biggest island in Shetland, Scotland. It's where you'll find Lerwick, Shetland's only main town, which is called a burgh. This island is also the main hub for all ferry and air travel in Shetland.
Contents
Mainland: The Heart of Shetland
Mainland is a very important island. It covers about 96,879 hectares (374 square miles). This makes it the third-largest island in Scotland. It's also the fifth-largest island in the entire British Isles. Only Great Britain, Ireland, Lewis and Harris, and Skye are bigger.
Mainland is home to most of Shetland's people. In 2011, about 18,765 people lived here. This makes it the second most populated Scottish island, after Lewis and Harris. The population grew from 17,550 people in 2001.
Exploring Mainland's Regions
The island of Mainland can be split into four main parts. Each part has its own special features.
South Mainland: History and Farms
The long southern part of Mainland stretches out like a finger. It has a mix of open moorland and green farmland. This area is famous for its many important archaeological sites. These sites show us how people lived here long ago.
Central Mainland: Green Spaces
The middle part of Mainland has even more farmland. You can also find some small forests here. These are areas where trees have been planted.
West Mainland: Coastal Beauty
The western side of Mainland is known for its beautiful coastlines. It has a rugged feel with many small communities.
North Mainland: Wild and Important
The northern part of Mainland is wilder. It has lots of moorland and tall coastal cliffs. A large area here is called Northmavine. It's connected to the rest of Mainland by a very narrow strip of land called an isthmus at Mavis Grind.
The North Mainland is also home to Sullom Voe. This is a big oil terminal. It's a very important place for jobs on the island.
See also
In Spanish: Mainland (Shetland) para niños
