Which is better Orkney or Shetland?

Orkney is a world leader in terms of ancient archaeology. When it comes to Viking relics, Shetland offers up longhouses, longships and fiery celebrations. Both islands are rich in wildlife and beautiful beaches, and dish up excellent local food. In the end, it’s up to you…

What is the difference between Orkney and Shetland?

Shetland consists of a group of 100 islands with approximately 900 miles of coastline and a population of around 23,000. The Orkney Islands are located six miles north of the Scottish mainland. There are about 70 islands within the Orkney archipelago, 17 of which are inhabited.

Is it worth going to the Orkney Islands?

The Orkney Islands are certainly worth visiting however if you only have 7 or 8 days to spend in Scotland it may be difficult to work them into your itinerary as you probably wish to see some other parts of the country.

Is it worth going to Shetland Islands?

In short, the Shetlands has a lot to offer, and it’s often overlooked as a destination to visit as part of the UK. It has as much to offer as any holiday abroad and provides a different experience to the rest of the country. If you’re looking for off the beaten path, then Shetland is certainly it.

Which is bigger Shetland or Orkney?

It is notoriously fiddly to measure such things, but Shetland appears to be just under half as big again as Orkney in land-mass terms, 565 square miles plays 380 square miles.

Can you see Northern Lights in Orkney?

Orkney is a great place to witness the Northern Lights, with autumn and winter the ideal time of year. That said, clear, dark skies are needed, in addition to the right levels of atmospheric activity.

Can you get a ferry from Orkney to Shetland?

The Kirkwall Lerwick ferry route connects Orkney Islands with Shetland Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 4 times each week with sailing durations from around 7 hours 45 minutes.

Do you need a car in Orkney?

How to get around the Orkney Islands. I would 100% recommend hiring a car to travel around the Orkney Islands. Taxis are available but you really need your own wheels to see this beautiful island properly.

Why is there no trees in Orkney?

By 3,500BC, Orkney had seen a decline in forest cover. This was due to human activity and aggravated by a deterioration in the climate. This loss of available wood for construction led to the increased use of stone as a building material – a fact that has left us with so many beautifully preserved prehistoric sites.

How many days do you need in Orkney Islands?

To do Orkney any kind of justice I would suggest at least three days. I like the Pentland crossing and catching to 0930 ferry over and the last ferry back.

What is the best time of year to visit the Shetland Islands?

The best time to visit the Shetlands is the summer, from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.

How much does it cost to get to Shetland?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Shetland Islands is $1,429 for a solo traveler, $2,566 for a couple, and $4,811 for a family of 4. Shetland Islands hotels range from $60 to $274 per night with an average of $106, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $510 per night for the entire home.

What is the main industry in Shetland?

Today, the main revenue producers in Shetland are agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, renewable energy, the petroleum industry (crude oil and natural gas production), the creative industries and tourism.

Which is further north Shetland or Orkney?

The landscapes of the fertile agricultural islands of Orkney, thanks to its base of Old Red Sandstone, contrast with the more rugged Shetland islands 100 miles further north with its poorer soil and therefore depending much more on the wealth of the sea.

How far is Orkney from the mainland?

The Orkney archipelago encompasses seventy islands within the Northern Isles of Scotland, roughly sixteen kilometres north of the mainland.

What language is spoken in the Shetland Islands?

What is Shetlandic? Shetlandic, or Shetland dialect, could be described as Old Scots (which is related to Middle English) with a strong Norse influence. It’s a waageng (aftertaste) of Norn, an extinct North Germanic language spoken in Shetland until the 18th century.

Who owns the Orkney Islands?

The South Orkney Islands are part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which means that they are not technically owned by any country. However, Argentina and the U.K. have both made claims upon these islands in the past.

What country claims the Orkney Islands?

Orkney Islands, group of more than 70 islands and islets—only about 20 of which are inhabited—in Scotland, lying about 20 miles (32 km) north of the Scottish mainland, across the strait known as the Pentland Firth. The Orkney Islands constitute a council area and belong to the historic county of Orkney.

Where in the UK is the best place to see the Northern Lights?

Stunning Scotland

Undeniably the best place to view the Northern Lights in the UK, Scotland boasts the perfect conditions to catch one of the greatest shows on earth.

Do you need a car in Shetland?

Shetland is in some ways better explored without a car – the money from north sea oil that has so benefited the region has been spent on many things, including new roads.

What is the best month to visit Orkney?

The best time to visit Orkney is anytime you can get there, really – although in winter, it is not so inviting, to be sure. However, anytime between Easter and end of autumn is a good time on Orkney, with long days around the Summer Solstice too.

Are there midges in Orkney?

Orkney tends to see midges in the countryside and not in the towns. We also had a problem with midges last year on Hoy and Rousay too. They are all Islands though. I have never been bothered with them in Kirkwall or Stromness.

What’s Orkney famous for?

Orkney contains some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe, the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Orkney also has an abundance of marine and avian wildlife.

What language is spoken in Orkney?

In the present day the Scots language is spoken in Orkney and Shetland, but there are a smattering of words (some used in both island groups) heavily influenced by Norn.

Is Orkney a good place to live?

The historic islands of Orkney have been crowned Scotland’s best place to live for the eighth year in a row, according to the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey 2020. … The latest ONS figures indicate adults living in Orkney are amongst the happiest, most satisfied and content in the UK, with low anxiety rates.

Are there Foxes on the Orkney Islands?

The absence of any mammal predators — no foxes, badgers or, so far, mustelids — explains why Orkney is home to such a proportion of Britain’s ground-nesting birds: a fifth of hen harriers and impressive densities of wading bird populations.

When did Orkney become Scottish?

ON THIS day in 1472, Orkney and Shetland officially became part of Scotland.

Does Orkney have snow?

Because of the Gulf Stream, winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing, so snow is uncommon – usually restricted to a few days at a time. … Although we see little snow, an Orkney winter is generally very wet – a combination of the low level of the land and the warming effect of the surrounding sea.

How hilly is Orkney?

The islands are not hilly, indeed the highest point in Orkney (Ward Hill on Hoy) is only 481 metres high, but the coastline is generally ragged, with deep inlets, or ‘geos’ providing cliff habitat for seabirds.

How long does it take to drive around Mainland Orkney?

Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t have to worry about getting to and from either of the “cities” because they are only 20 minutes away from each other. (Plus it only takes about 45 minutes to drive around the entire Orkney mainland).

How busy is Orkney?

The gorgeous weather brings in all the tourists during late spring and early summer, which is when all shops and restaurants are open and teeming with crowds of locals and visitors alike. However, unlike other tourist favourites in Scotland, Orkney is still relatively quiet even in the busiest months.

Are midges a problem in Shetland?

Yeovilman – no, midges are not a big problem here, but its not unknown for a few ‘bitey things’ to be around, especially on a still day – yes, we do get still days! The weather last summer was fantastic and there were a few occasions when it was necessary to put on insect repellent before tackling the gardening.

Is it expensive to live in Shetland?

Talking to people on the streets of Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, there’s pretty much unanimous agreement. Living in the islands costs more than living down south – on the Scottish mainland.

Why are there no trees on Shetland?

The real reasons for the lack of trees are to do with clearance for firewood and the presence of sheep, which have prevented natural regeneration. Where sheep are excluded, trees grow with little or no shelter.

How do I get to Shetland cheap?

The first decision is about how to get here, you can reach Shetland by plane or ferry. The cheaper option for budget travellers is likely to be the overnight ferry service from Aberdeen, operated by NorthLink Ferries.

Can you hire a car on Shetland?

Car and van hire at Lerwick Shetland is made easy with Europcar. … Whether you are hiring a car for business or pleasure, or you need a car or van, Europcar has the right hire car at Lerwick Shetland for you.

Do you need a passport to go to Shetland?

If you are visiting Shetland from the UK mainland, you don’t need a passport. If you are arriving from outwith the UK (for example, flying straight to Shetland from Norway) you will need one.

Does it snow in Shetlands?

Question: Does Shetland get a lot of snow? Answer: No, but we do get lots of wind. The (relatively) warm sea air means that snow is only occasional during winter, being most common in January &amp, February. When it does fall it rarely stays for long.

Can anyone live in Shetland?

Shetland – living life to the full

It’s a safe place to raise a family, offering children great freedom, but Shetland is lively, with a bustling social and sports scene and activities for everyone.

What is Shetland famous for?

Shetland has long been world famous as a mecca for bird enthusiasts. From the ultra-rare to the quirky, birds of all breeds flock to the isles in their droves.

Why is Orkney so fertile?

Much of Orkney is fertile, with a predominantly farmed landscape, its soils are derived from sedimentary rock of Old Red Sandstones formed about 380 million years ago in the Devonian, except from some small patches of granite-schist complex. …

What island lies between Orkney and Shetland?

Is Shetland pony British?

The Shetland pony is a Scottish breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles in the north of Scotland. It may stand up to 107 cm (42 in) at the withers. It has a heavy coat and short legs, is strong for its size, and is used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.

How far apart are Orkney and Shetland?

The distance between Orkney and Shetland Islands is 110 miles.

How long is the ferry ride to Orkney?

Operated by John O’Groats Ferries exclusively for foot passengers, it is the quickest ferry journey at just 40 minutes.

How long is the ferry from Scotland to Orkney?

The MV Hamnavoe travels from Scrabster at the very north of Mainland Scotland to Stromness in the Orkney islands. This ferry sails up to 6 times a day with the journey only taking 90 minutes and is the only ferry that sails past the iconic Old Man of Hoy.

How do you say hello in Shetland?

First things first, welcome to Shetland – hiyi, noo den, whit lik’, or whatever – you’ll find a few variants of this common greeting.

Does Shetland speak English?

Today, the language spoken by Shetlanders is a regional dialect of the English or Scots language but its roots are firmly bedded in Shetland’s Scandinavian past. This language came to Shetland with the Vikings when they arrived here about 850 AD.

What does Peerie mean in Shetland?

Adjective. peerie (comparative peerier, superlative peeriest) (chiefly Shetland and Orkney) Small, tiny.

What is the main religion in Orkney?

The Protestant religion prevails in the isles of Orkney, according to the rites and discipline of the kirk, these, and the isles of Shetland, constituting one presbytery, which assembles at Kirkwall. The country is divided into 18 parishes, containing 31 churches, and above 100 chapels.

Does anyone live on the South Orkney Islands?

Initially operated year-round, since 1995/6 the Signy Research Station has been open only from November to April each year (southern hemisphere summer). Apart from personnel at the bases, there are no permanent inhabitants on the islands.

Can you see Northern Lights in Orkney?

Orkney is a great place to witness the Northern Lights, with autumn and winter the ideal time of year. That said, clear, dark skies are needed, in addition to the right levels of atmospheric activity.

Why are there no trees on Orkney?

By 3,500BC, Orkney had seen a decline in forest cover. This was due to human activity and aggravated by a deterioration in the climate. This loss of available wood for construction led to the increased use of stone as a building material – a fact that has left us with so many beautifully preserved prehistoric sites.

Do you need a car on Orkney?

How to get around the Orkney Islands. I would 100% recommend hiring a car to travel around the Orkney Islands. Taxis are available but you really need your own wheels to see this beautiful island properly.

What country owns the Shetland Islands?

Shetland Islands, also called Zetland or Shetland, group of about 100 islands, fewer than 20 of them inhabited, in Scotland, 130 miles (210 km) north of the Scottish mainland, at the northern extremity of the United Kingdom. They constitute the Shetland Islands council area and the historic county of Shetland.

What is the most southern place to see the northern lights?

Your best chance is on the southern tip of both Tasmania (Australia) and New Zealand, where a dark sky will help you see any active auroras over the southern horizon. These are the closest accessible places to the south magnetic pole, outside of Antarctica.

Is 2021 a good year to see the northern lights?

“The outlook is favorable as we go forward,” Steenburgh said of 2021. Solar forecasters are seeing upticks in active regions as well as in the coronal mass ejections of charged particles that are key to lighting up the northern lights.

Can you see the northern lights with the naked eye?

Yes. Most commonly the aurora seen will be green or whitish, but depending on the strength of the activity, pinks and reds are also visible to the naked eye.

What is the best time of year to visit the Shetland Islands?

The best time to visit the Shetlands is the summer, from June to August, since it is the mildest season. However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.

Can you get a ferry from Orkney to Shetland?

The Kirkwall Lerwick ferry route connects Orkney Islands with Shetland Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. The crossing operates up to 4 times each week with sailing durations from around 7 hours 45 minutes.

How much does it cost to get to Shetland?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Shetland Islands is $1,429 for a solo traveler, $2,566 for a couple, and $4,811 for a family of 4. Shetland Islands hotels range from $60 to $274 per night with an average of $106, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $510 per night for the entire home.

When can you see puffins on Orkney?

5. They can be easily seen in Orkney and Shetland during the summer. Puffins will arrive on the cliffs of Orkney and Shetland from April to August every year.

How long should I stay in Orkney?

Of course we’d always recommend staying at least a week or two to explore Orkney and to visit one of the out-lying isles and get a real flavour of the islands. However, sometimes one or two days is you have to play with.

How cold does it get in Orkney?

In fact, Orkney never gets brutally cold. Average winter temperatures hover around 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). Early dusk in winter makes visiting some the island sights very dramatic, as it’s mostly dark by the early afternoon.

Is it worth going to Orkney Islands?

The Orkney Islands are certainly worth visiting however if you only have 7 or 8 days to spend in Scotland it may be difficult to work them into your itinerary as you probably wish to see some other parts of the country.

Can you take your car to Orkney?

You can also take your car on the ferry, which is convenient for travelling around in Orkney. … Incidentally, if you wish to visit Shetland too this is the only way to get a ferry from the mainland to there. Once it drops off in Kirkwall it carries on up to Sumburgh, arriving at 0730.

Is Orkney a city or town?

Do you get midges on Orkney?

Orkney tends to see midges in the countryside and not in the towns. We also had a problem with midges last year on Hoy and Rousay too. They are all Islands though. I have never been bothered with them in Kirkwall or Stromness.

What does Peedie mean in Orkney?

peedie: meaning: small or tiny. Origin Uncertain: Originally found as “peerie”, this is probably the most common dialect word in use today. Examples: “in a peedie while” – in a few moments “Hid wis fer too peedie” – It was far too small. “A peedie grain” – a small amount.

Is Orkney a good place to live?

The historic islands of Orkney have been crowned Scotland’s best place to live for the eighth year in a row, according to the Bank of Scotland Quality of Life survey 2020. … The latest ONS figures indicate adults living in Orkney are amongst the happiest, most satisfied and content in the UK, with low anxiety rates.

Is it expensive to live on Orkney?

A report into the cost of living on an island has found it is as expensive as getting by in central London. People living in Orkney all reported that housing, freight costs, fuel and power, and food all led to a higher cost of living, comparable with a budget required for central London.

Can I move to Orkney?

Moving to Orkney is a bit more challenging than the average relocation. It’s not easy shifting your entire household to an island. Additional challenges arise if you’re moving to Orkney from outside of the UK. Most people would agree, the decision to relocate to the Orkney Islands not one to be made on a whim.

Are there Badgers on Orkney?

Like many islands, Orkney does not have mammals such as foxes, badgers, weasels and, until recently, stoats. … The islands are an important home for curlews, lapwings, redshanks, oystercatchers, snipe and corncrakes, along with Arctic terns, hen harriers and red-throated divers, which all nest on the ground.

Where can I watch birds in Orkney?

Where can I see wildlife on Orkney?