TheMainland is the principal island ofShetland inScotland. Covering an area of 899 km2 (347 sq mi), the island contains Shetland's onlyburgh,Lerwick, which is the main administrative centre, and major point of Shetland's ferry and air connections. The island has a diversified economy, with interests inagriculture,fishing,aquaculture,oil and gas, andtourism. It also forms part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, noted for its cliffs, moorlands, and diverse marine wildlife. Mainland is also thelargest island in the North Sea.
Evidence from various archaeological sites indicate probable human settlements dating back to more than six thousand years. In the 9th century CE, it came under the influence of theVikings, and the island was claimed by Scotland in the 14th century. Many of the place names still bear Norse influence from the Viking era.[2]
Mainland is the principal island ofShetland, which forms part ofScotland. The island lies north of mainland Scotland, between theOrkney Islands andFaroe Islands, sandwiched between theAtlantic Ocean to the west and theNorth Sea to the east. Covering an area of 899 km2 (347 sq mi), the island contains Shetland's onlyburgh,Lerwick, which is the main administrative centre.[2][3] The island has a rugged long coastline stretching 848.35 km (527.14 mi).[4] It is politically part of the United Kingdom, though the islands has local governance bodies.[3]
The mainland is broadly divided into four geographical sections.North Mainland covers the largeNorthmavine peninsula which is connected by a narrowisthmus atMavis Grind and incorporates the highest point of the island at Ronas Hill, and oil facilities.Central Mainland consists of the Tigwall valley, made up of fertile farmlands, plantations, and ancient castles.West Mainland incorporates the western region, and theSouth Mainland, south of Lerwick, which contains importantarchaeological sites.[5]
Mainland has atemperate climate with warm summers, and mild winters with heavy rainfall and no dry season. It forms part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, and is noted for its cliffs, moorlands, and diverse marine wildlife.[2]
Mainland had a population of 18,763 residents in 2022,[1] with Lerwick the most populous with about 6,000 inhabitants.[3] The island has well developed infrastructure with schools, healthcare, and cultural services. The economy is diversified and broad-based with interests inagriculture,fishing,aquaculture,oil and gas, andtourism. Mainland has extensive resources and attracts workers due to its low unemployment rates.[2][3]
The island has a well developed road network.[2][3] Inter-island ferries, connect with other islands and the United Kingdom, with the major port situated atSullom Voe.[3][4]Lerwick Airport andSumburgh Airport serve the island with regular commercial flights.[2][4]
