Orkney & Shetland

The only modern guidebook to concentrate on Scotland?s most northerly islands. Orkney and Shetland together consist of more than 170 islands and islets. Once remote from outside influence, they are now reaping the benefits of parliamentary devolution, oil, tourism and modern communications, while still managing to preserve their individual characters and traditions unspoilt by commercialisation.The islands have much to offer the discerning visitor. Nature lovers will find wild flowers, some of which are found nowhere else on earth, and land and marine wildlife including whales, dolphins and otters. Fishermen can catch fighting trout and salmon in the lochs while divers will find clean water plus the prospect of diving for treasure off Shetland. Bird watchers can see merlins, skuas, puffins, fulmars and kittiwakes while those interested in history will find the richest archaeological legacy in the British Isles, including ancient stone circles, standing stones, burial chambers and Viking treasures. Walkers, cyclists, canoeists, yachtsmen and kayakers can all pursue their individual sports in the islands? stunning countryside.Scottish Islands ? Orkney & Shetland will lead the visitor to sights and places that might otherwise be missed, including how to book a bed in a lighthouse or a castle, where to find the best preserved Stone Age village in Europe, how to find the best of the islands? traditional folk music and where to buy the finest Shetland jerseys and lace.