Oppressions of the Sixteenth Century in the Islands of Orkney and Zetland

'Oppressions of the Sixteenth Century in the Islands of Orkney and Zetland', edited by David Balfour, offers a rare glimpse into the tumultuous history of two remote and often-overlooked Scottish islands. Drawing on original manuscripts and state papers, the book details the centuries of abuse, misrule, and neglect endured by the inhabitants of Orkney and Zetland, from the days of Norse rule to their incorporation into Scotland and the United Kingdom. Despite the islands' strategic location and abundant natural resources, they have been treated as little more than a source of revenue by successive governments and courtiers, with their pleas for justice and self-determination falling on deaf ears. Balfour's meticulously researched work sheds light on this forgotten corner of British history and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and greed.