While some Vikings settled in regions that are now part of Scotland, they were originally from Scandinavia, specifically Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. During the Viking Age, Norse explorers and settlers ventured across the North Sea to the British Isles, where they established settlements and exerted influence over local populations. In Scotland, Viking incursions primarily occurred in the northern and western coastal areas, leading to the establishment of significant Norse settlements, particularly in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The Viking presence in Scotland introduced new cultural elements, language, and genetic contributions to the local population. However, it is crucial to understand that while the Vikings interacted with and settled in Scotland, they were not Scottish by origin; rather, they represented a distinct cultural group that significantly impacted the history and development of the region.