 The Orcadian experience was somewhat different . An influx of Scottish entrepreneurs helped to create a diverse and independent community that included farmers , fishermen and merchants that called themselves <unk> Orcadie and who proved themselves increasing able to defend their rights against their feudal overlords . In the 17th century , Orcadians formed the overwhelming majority of employees of the Hudson 's Bay Company in Canada . The harsh climate of Orkney and the Orcadian reputation for sobriety and their boat @-@ handling skills made them ideal candidates for the rigours of the Canadian north . During this period , burning kelp briefly became a mainstay of the islands ' economy . For example , on Shapinsay over 3 @,@ 048 tonnes ( 3 @,@ 000 long tons ) of burned seaweed were produced per annum to make soda ash , bringing in £ 20 @,@ 000 to the local economy . Agricultural improvements beginning in the 17th century coincided with the enclosure of the commons and in the Victoria era the emergence of large and well @-@ managed farms using a five @-@ shift rotation system and producing high quality beef cattle . There is little evidence of an Orcadian fishing fleet until the 19th century but it grew rapidly and 700 boats were involved by the 1840s with Stronsay and then later Stromness becoming leading centres of development . Many Orcadian seamen became involved in whaling in Arctic waters during the 19th century , although the boats were generally based elsewhere in Britain . 
