Orkney is an island chain in the Northern Isles of Scotland. It is positioned 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness and includes 70 islands, of which 20 have settlements. The archipelago has a total area of 523 square miles, meaning that it is the sixth largest Scottish island and the tenth largest island in the UK. Kirkwall is Orkney's most considerable administrative centre. Orkney constitutes one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, as well as being a constituency of the Scottish Parliament, a lieutenancy area and an one-time county. The regional council is Orkney Islands Council, being one out of three councils in Scotland that have a majority of elected members who are independents. Most of the islands are divided into 2 groups, the North and South Isles, and a feature of all the islands is the existence of Old Red Sandstone. With a moderate climate and remarkably fertile soil, farming continues to be the most considerable area of the economy. Exportation of beef, cheese, whisky, beer and fish additionally continues to have a role in the economy, but there has actually been an increase in areas like retail, representing 17 percent of total work. Growing in importance are the wind and marine energy sources, and the island produces in excess of its yearly electricity demand through these techniques. In accordance with the 2011 census, Orkney has a population of 20100, growing 11 percent from the 2001 census. A variety of festivals take place on the islands which entice large numbers of locals and citizens, for example the Orkney International Science Festival and the St. Magnus International Arts Festival happening each year in June. For all your home upgrades, make sure to make use of trusted contractors in Orkney to make certain of quality.
