Administrative history On its absorption into Scotland in 1472, the landholdings and jurisdictions of the old lordship of Shetland passed to the Scottish crown. The separate earldom of Orkney was absorbed into Scotland at the same time. More typically Scottish forms of administration were gradually introduced to the Northern Isles. The position of Sheriff of Orkney and Shetland was created in 1541. Shetland and Orkney retained their own legal systems until 1612, when the general laws of Scotland were applied.
Administrative history On its absorption into Scotland in 1472 the landholdings and jurisdictions of the old lordship of Shetland passed to the Scotti,sh crown. The separate earldom of Orkney was absorbed into Scotland at the same time. More typically Scottish forms of administration were gradually intr.oduced to the Northern Isles. The position of Sheriff of Orkney and Shetland was created in 1541. Shetland and Orkney retained their own legal systems until 1612, when the general laws of Scotland were applied