Northern Isles facts for kids
The Northern Isles are a group of islands located off the northern coast of Scotland. These islands include Shetland, Fair Isle, and Orkney. Sometimes, Stroma, which is part of Caithness, is also considered part of this group.
Contents
Exploring the Northern Isles' Geography
The phrase "Northern Isles" usually refers to the main islands of the Orkney and Shetland groups.
Where are Orkney and Shetland?
Orkney is located about 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of mainland Scotland. The Pentland Firth separates it from the mainland. The largest island in Orkney is known as the "Mainland". It covers an area of 523.25 square kilometres (202.03 square miles). This makes it the sixth largest Scottish island. In 2001, Orkney had a total population of 19,245 people. The biggest town there is Kirkwall.
Shetland is about 170 kilometres (106 miles) north of mainland Scotland. It covers an area of 1,468 square kilometres (567 square miles). Its coastline is 2,702 kilometres (1,679 miles) long. Lerwick is the capital and largest town in Shetland. It has a population of about 7,500 people. Around half of Shetland's total population of 22,000 live within 16 kilometres (10 miles) of Lerwick.
Orkney has 20 islands where people live. Shetland has a total of 16 inhabited islands.
How are the Isles Governed?
The Northern Isles are usually treated separately for political reasons. However, they are part of the same parliamentary area called Orkney and Shetland in Westminster. This is where laws are made for the United Kingdom.
A Royal Dowry
Orkney and Shetland were given to Scotland a long time ago. This happened in 1469. They were given as a deposit for the dowry of Margaret of Denmark. She was marrying James III of Scotland at the time. A dowry is money or property that a bride brings to her marriage.
What's the Culture Like?
The Northern Isles have many interesting old stories and beliefs. This is called folklore.
Tales and Traditions
For example, in Orkney, there are many tales about trows. Trows are a type of troll. These stories come from the islands' connections to Scandinavia. In the past, local customs included marriage ceremonies at the Odin Stone. This stone is part of the Stones of Stenness.
Music and Literature
Shetland has a strong tradition of local music. The The Forty Fiddlers group was started in the 1950s. Their goal was to promote the traditional fiddle style. This style is still a very important part of local culture today. Famous Shetland folk musicians include Aly Bain and the late Tom Anderson. Another notable musician was Peerie Willie Johnson. Thomas Fraser was a country musician. He never released music officially during his life. However, his work became popular more than 20 years after he passed away in 1978.
Well-known writers from modern Orkney include the poet Edwin Muir. There's also the poet and novelist George Mackay Brown. Another famous novelist is Eric Linklater.
Languages of the Isles
The Norn language was once spoken in the Northern Isles. This language came from Old Norse. Old Norse was the language of the Norse people, who were Vikings. Norn died out in the 18th or 19th century.
Today, people speak local versions of the Scots language. These are known as Insular Scots. They are very unique and still have strong influences from the old Norn language.
Images for kids
-
Geology of Orkney
-
NorthLink Ferries MV Hamnavoe at Scrabster harbour
-
BN2 Islander being loaded with luggage at Papa Westray Airport
-
ExxonMobil's Beryl alpha oil platform in the East Shetland Basin
-
Jarl squad for the South Mainland Up Helly Aa, one of several of Shetland's Viking fire festivals.
.jpg)
