Island in Shetland Islands, Scotland
| Coordinates: | 60.227, -1.383 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | HU 34 49 |
The Mainland is the largest island in the Shetland Islands, lying well to the north of Scotland. It is characterised by a rugged, indented coastline of cliffs and voes, windswept peat and moorland, and the rounded summit of Ronas Hill, with harbour towns such as Lerwick and the older centre of Scalloway punctuating the coast.
Its strong Norse heritage is visible at archaeological sites like Jarlshof and in local place‑names and traditions; today the island’s economy mixes fishing and aquaculture with oil‑industry support, knitwear and crofting, while cultural highlights such as the Lerwick Up Helly Aa fire festival reflect a close‑knit island community.
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