Orkney is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland. It is situated 10 miles north of the coast of Caithness and is composed of 70 islands, of which 20 have settlements. The archipelago has a total area of 523 square miles, meaning that it is the 6th largest Scottish island and the tenth largest island in the UK. Kirkwall is Orkney's most comprehensive administrative centre. Orkney makes up one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, alongside 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 characteristic of all the islands is the presence of Old Red Sandstone. With a moderate climate and remarkably fertile soil, agriculture remains to be the most significant portion of the economy. Exportation of beef, cheese, whisky, beer and fish additionally continues to have a part in the economy, but there has been an increase in areas including retail, representing 17 per cent of overall work. Growing in prominence are the wind and marine energy sources, and the island produces more than its yearly electrical power requirement through these techniques. In accordance with the 2011 census, Orkney has a population of 20100, growing 11 percent from the 2001 census. Multiple festivals occur on the islands which entice large numbers of locals and locals, such as the Orkney International Science Festival and the St. Magnus International Arts Festival happening yearly in June. For all of your home upgrades, make certain to make use of trusted experts in Orkney to make certain of quality.