Scottish Islands: Orkney & Shetland

The first edition of Scottish Island--Orkney & Shetland immediately established itself as the leading guide to these mystical islands to the far north of Britain. The authors have now returned to the islands to produce this fully revised second edition.

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 unspoiled by commercialization.

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 marlins, 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 visitors 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.