Lying off the northern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands consist of a group of almost treeless, gently rolling islands separated from the mainland by the Pentland Firth. The island area lies between the North Sea to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and covers an area of 376 square miles (974 square kilometers). Of the roughly 70 islands in the Orkneys, fewer than one third are inhabited. Kirkwall, the seat of the area's government and one of the few villages, is on the largest island, Mainland, or Pomona. The town is the site of the 12th-century cathedral of St. Magnus and ruins of the bishop's and earl's palaces. Other islands are Hoy, Westray, Sanday, and Stronsay. Warm ocean currents give the islands the mild climate that makes the area Scotland's most productive farming region. Agricultural products include oats, turnips, and potatoes. Beef and dairy cattle and sheep also are raised. The fishing industry is significant. Lobster, herring, and cod are the main catches. The discovery of petroleum under the North Sea resulted in the construction of a pipeline terminal at Flotta in Scapa Flow, the sheltered body of water between Mainland and Hoy. A causeway links the southern islands of Mainland, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. The islands were known as the Orcades in classical literature. Remains of prehistoric origin—including burial chambers, the underground village of Skara Brae, and rings of standing stones—are in evidence. Norse raiders arrived in the late 8th century and colonized the area in the 9th century. The islands remained under Norwegian and Danish control until 1472, when the Orkney and Shetland islands passed into Scottish rule. Population (2001 census), 19,245. |