Orkney Islands, archipelago and council area (1991 pop. 19,650),
376 sq mi (974 sq km), N Scotland, consisting of about 70
islands in the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, N of Scottish
mainland across the Pentland Firth. About 20 islands are
inhabited. Mainland (Pomona), the largest, has Kirkwall, the
county town, and Stromness. Other large islands are Hoy, South
Ronaldsay, Stronsay, Sanday, Westray, and Rousay. The climate is
mild, windy, and wet. The Orkneys are one of Scotland's richest
farming regions. Beef cattle and eggs are the most important
produce. Sheep and pigs are also raised. Some fishing, mainly
for lobster, is carried on. The discovery of North Sea oil in
the early 1970s provided employment for many inhabitants. The
Orkney Islands were settled by Picts. Vikings invaded in the 8th
cent. From 875 to 1231 it was a Viking earldom under the
Norwegian crown. Details of this period are recounted in the
Orkneyinga Saga, a Norse epic. In 1231, the islands passed to
the Scottish earls of Angus on the d