North Isles

The North Isles occupy the northern reaches of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, taking in islands such as Yell, Unst and Fetlar. The scenery is windswept and dramatic, with cliffs, peatlands and important seabird colonies at places like Hermaness National Nature Reserve; Unst is notable as one of the most northerly inhabited islands and is dominated by landmarks such as Saxa Vord.

Communities here are small and dispersed, historically sustained by crofting and fishing and now supplemented by aquaculture, tourism and craft traditions like Shetland knitting. A strong Norse legacy survives in local place names and archaeology, while lifeline ferry links, a resilient island culture and interest in wildlife tourism give the area a distinctive mix of remote daily life and natural appeal.