Olchar

Olchar is an abandoned village located in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. The precise location of Olchar within the islands is not well-documented, leading to varying reports of its exact position. However, it is believed to be situated on the main island of the Shetlands, Mainland.

The village of Olchar was once a populated settlement, but its abandonment is attributed to the area's geological and economic conditions. The Shetlands' harsh climate and limited economic prospects contributed to the decline and eventual abandonment of many villages, including Olchar. Today, remnants of the village are sparse, and its former existence is largely documented through historical records.

The Shetland Islands, where Olchar lies, possess a rich history dating back to the Viking era. The islands were the site of various Norse settlements, including the Viking-influenced Nórreyjar (Old Norse: "Northern Islands" or "Norway"). During this period, Shetland became embroiled in the broader European world of the time, shaping its culture and fortunes.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Shetlands have been inhabited for at least 4,000 years. Excavations on the islands have uncovered artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as well as fossil remains of ancient mariners. These discoveries reflect the Shetlands' long-standing cultural and environmental connections to the wider North Sea region.

Considering the generally sparser historical records of the Northern Isles, it is remarkable that any remnants or recall of Olchar, a village that once existed in this disparate setting, should still be part of our historical memory.