This book meticulously details the population changes in Orkney from 1755 to 1961, focusing on individual parishes and islands. It serves as a vital resource for understanding demographic shifts in this specific Scottish archipelago over two centuries. The work is compiled by R.S. Barclay, likely drawing on extensive archival research and census data to provide a comprehensive statistical overview. The primary argument is to present a detailed, localized demographic history that can inform studies of migration, settlement patterns, and social change within Orkney.

This specialized demographic study is likely to be highly valued by historians, genealogists, and researchers focusing on the Scottish Isles. Its detailed, parish-level data provides a granular view of population dynamics that is often unavailable in broader historical surveys. The work's strength lies in its comprehensive temporal and geographical scope within Orkney, offering a foundational resource for understanding the region's human geography over a significant period.