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Nordreyjar(Orkney and Shetland Islands) and Sudreyjar(the Hebrides and Mann) had long been under Norse control that eventually gave way to Scottish influence. The Northern Isles, ruled via the Earldom of Orkney, were absorbed in the 15th century, while the Southern Isles, under the Kingdom of the Isles and Mann, had long since been absorbed in the 13th century. Though Norse was spoken on the Northern Isles, it largely disappeared by the 18th century; Norse in the Southern Isles overtook the local Gaelic in terms of prestige and place names but otherwise remained spoken long past the fall of Norse control. What POD would it take for 1) both archipelagoes to remain Norse in culture and language and 2) maintain some form of self-governance (independence, autonomous region)? Bonus points if the Faroes get roped in as well.

An easy solution would be for Norway to retain control over the islands but they are far-off and greatly coveted by Scotland as in OTL.
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