Orkney Islands, Ancient archipelago in northern Scotland
Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland made up of roughly seventy islands, twenty of which are inhabited. Sea cliffs, low green hills and open landscapes dominate most of the land, while most settlements line sheltered bays or sit on elevated headlands.
Norsemen took over the islands in the late ninth century and ruled them for nearly six hundred years. Scotland assumed control in the late fifteenth century after the payment of a Norwegian dowry failed to materialize.
Annual folk festivals and craft fairs showcase traditional skills like knitting and boat building, still practiced in many communities today. Local pubs and community halls serve as gathering spots where residents regularly meet and exchange stories in a dialect that still carries Norse words.
Ferries and flights link the islands to the Scottish mainland, while local buses connect villages to each other. Weather conditions can shift quickly, so bringing warm and waterproof clothing is wise even in summer.
Wind and marine energy supply the islands with more electricity than they consume, with surplus power feeding into the Scottish mainland grid. Many homes also use turbines or solar panels for personal use.
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