Orkney

Shetland

Western Isles

The Isles, we have grouped together, because of the common affiliation they had at the time of Macbeth, in as much as, that these were Viking held lands.

Much has been the conjecture as to who in fact ruled over the islands in those days that even today historians cannot agree. As for my limited research, I am of the opinion, that Thorfinn, Jarl of Orkney and Caithness held sway in that department but I am open to suggestions if anyone out there has any.

For me, I cannot get past the thought of how Scotland might have evolved had Thorfinn managed to gain the throne, instead of, or even, after Macbeth, who was successful as our ruler, instead of that disaster prone Atholl clan. Their major investment in our history seems to have been one of handing our lands over to our southern neighbours namely the English monarchs who incidentally were the main benefactors of that house. Perhaps this is why I rate Thorfinn so highly for although pressed on many fronts he never lost a battle to his cousins Duncan and Macbeth. In fact of the four, and I include Malcolm Canmore, his second cousin, Thorfinn died peacefully in his bed at his beloved Birsay on Orkney. This was a man and ruler who was adored by his subjects and family alike, who through that respect, never lost an inch of his territory to anyone and who had much support and sympathy in the lands of Sutherland which as we know were always a bone of contention with Macbeth who claimed them as his own.

The Isles are in three distinct regional parts, The Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

The Western Isles themselves are a conglomeration of islands with Lewis in the north being the main centre of population. They don't have a major town apart from Stornoway on Lewis throughout their whole length but are an accumulation of villages ranging from the modest to very small. The one thing they do have however is that beauty and serenity which all Scottish villages seem to have acquired down through the ages. Add to this the wonderful beaches and hospitable people and you have the makings of a terrific vacation. On the historical front there is much to investigate because of the pre-Viking and Viking past of the islands.
If you want a holiday with a difference to enjoy then this is surely the place for you and most certainly one never to be forgotten.

Orkney lies to the north of mainland Scotland and is as much Scandinavian as it is Scottish. It is, like the Hebrides, a collection of islands with not many major towns but an abundance of villages all with that attractive look about them thanks maybe to the surrounding landscape. The people are extremely friendly and hospitable making a holiday on the islands that bit more pleasurable. Because of its past and again pre-Viking existence there is much in the way of ancient sites to enthuse the visitor. There is so much to see and do on the islands for all the family I doubt anyone would ever be bored.
This is a well-recommended holiday destination and I doubt if you'll be disappointed.

Shetland the most northerly part of the UK is just as at home being called Scandinavian without actually being so, as it is being Scottish. It is a group of islands which offer much to the tourist because of the great variety of things to see and do such as the ancient sites of past civilizations or the sporting opportunities such as the super fishing. Whatever your thing is, the chance to experience it will probably be there on Shetland. The land offers up some surprising attractions in the plant life field and of course the wild sea life can be viewed with ease in the surrounding waters. Lerwick is the main town on the islands and a colourful one at that but there are many others of equal interest and vitality such as Scalloway the ancient capital.
As this is the most northerly part of our country why not experience for yourself the delights and hospitality of these islands for a great but different holiday.

To experience and enjoy something of the Shetland towns please use the search facilities on the left of the domain map.
If anyone has any comments or photos to enhance these pages please contact us.

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