|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Orkney lies off the northern tip of Scotland, and is made up of 70 or so islands, 16 of which are inhabited. Orkney has a total population of approximately 19,450 people (1991 census), the majority of whom live on the Mainland, with the greatest population concentrations being around the main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. With a total coastline of approximately 570 miles, the islands cover an area of 974 square kilometres (376 square miles), more than half of which is taken up by the Mainland, the group's largest island. The landscape is typically flat with fertile soils. The climate is comparatively mild for the latitude, due to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. Mainland Orkney is the largest of the islands with Kirkwall its main town and Stromness a major port. There are flights to Kirkwall airport from Monday to Saturday from all major airports on mainland Scotland and from Shetland. Ferries operate out of Stromness, St Margaret's Hope and Burwick thoughout the year. Orkney can be divided into three distinct regions - the North Isles, the South Isles and the Mainland. The Mainland is generally divided into two sections - the East Mainland and West Mainland. The usual way to refer to a location within these areas is to refer to their parish. The Mainland is made up of 13 parishes, these being: |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
