 The very different geologies of the two archipelagos have resulted in dissimilar local economies . In Shetland , the main revenue producers in Shetland are agriculture , aquaculture , fishing , renewable energy , the petroleum industry ( offshore crude oil and natural gas production ) , the creative industries and tourism . Oil and gas was first landed at Sullom Voe in 1978 , and it has subsequently become one of the largest oil terminals in Europe . Taxes from the oil have increased public sector spending in Shetland on social welfare , art , sport , environmental measures and financial development . Three quarters of the islands ' work force is employed in the service sector and Shetland Islands Council alone accounted for 27 @.@ 9 % of output in 2003 . Fishing remains central to the islands ' economy today , with the total catch being 75 @,@ 767 tonnes ( 74 @,@ 570 long tons ; 83 @,@ 519 short tons ) in 2009 , valued at over £ 73 @.@ 2 million . 
