Aith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aith |
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 Aith Marina, shop & lifeboat |
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 Aith
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| OS grid reference | HU344557 |
| Civil parish |
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| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SHETLAND |
| Postcode district | ZE2 |
| Dialling code | 01595 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Aith is a small village located on the northern coast of the West Shetland Mainland in Scotland. It sits at the southern end of a narrow inlet of the sea called Aith Voe. Aith is about 21 miles (34 km) west of Lerwick, which is the main town in Shetland.
The name Aith comes from an old Norse word, Eið, which means "isthmus." An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas and has water on both sides.
Aith is connected by the B9071 road. This road goes south to the village of Bixter, where it meets the A971 road. It also goes north-east towards East Burrafirth and then connects to the A970 road at the village of Voe. There's also a smaller, single-track road that goes north from Aith along the west side of Aith Voe, leading to Vementry.
Every year in early June, Aith hosts a special event called the Aith Lifeboat Gala. This fun day helps raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which is a charity that saves lives at sea. The gala often includes a "jarl squad" (people dressed up in Viking costumes) and demonstrations by the Shetland Coastguard.
A Look Back at Aith's History
The area where Aith is today was known as Aithsting a long time ago, when the Norsemen (Vikings) lived here. The surrounding area is still called Aithsting today.
Cool Places to Find in Aith
Aith has several important buildings and places that serve the community:
- Aith Lifeboat Station is the most northerly lifeboat station in Britain. It was set up in 1933 and plays a very important role in helping people at sea.
- Aith Junior High School is right in the middle of the village. This school teaches children from nursery age all the way up to secondary school. It has about 190 to 200 students. The school moved to its current, more central building in 1982.
- West Mainland Leisure Centre opened in 2002 and is a great place for sports and activities. It has a main hall, a squash court, a swimming pool with a smaller paddling pool, a fitness room, and a health suite.
- Aith Marina is where boats can dock and is a busy spot in the village.
- Aith Community Hall is a place where people can gather for events and meetings. It also includes the Rankin Lounge.
