Balta, Shetland facts for kids
| Norse name | Baltey |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | HP661081 |
| Coordinates | 60°44′59″N 0°47′28″W / 60.749746°N 0.791144°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Shetland |
| Area | 80 ha (198 acres) |
| Area rank | 162 |
| Highest elevation | 44 m (144 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Shetland Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Balta is a small, uninhabited island in Shetland, Scotland. The name "Balta" comes from the Old Norse word "Baltey". Even though no one lives there today, Balta has an interesting history and is home to a special lighthouse.
Island Geography
Balta is located off the east coast of Unst, which is one of the larger islands in Shetland. It sits near a place called Balta Sound. The island covers an area of about 80 hectares (which is about 200 acres).
On the eastern side of Balta, you can find a natural arch. This is a cool rock formation that looks like a bridge, created by the sea and wind over many years.
Balta is also home to some important businesses. Balta Island Seafare and Skaw Smolts are the most northern fish farm and fish hatchery in all of Britain. A fish farm raises fish in controlled areas, and a fish hatchery helps baby fish grow before they are moved.
Balta's History
People have lived on or visited Balta for a very long time. On the island, you can still see the old ruins of a broch. A broch is a type of ancient stone tower that was built in Scotland many centuries ago. There are also remains of a chapel built by the Norsemen, who were Vikings that settled in Scotland. This chapel was dedicated to a saint named Saint Sunniva.
There are no records of anyone living on Balta in more recent times.
In May 1820, a man named John MacCulloch visited Balta. He was there to do a special survey called the Trigonometrical Survey for the Ordnance Survey. This survey helps to make very accurate maps. Balta was the most northern point he measured for this project.
The Balta Lighthouse
At the southern tip of Balta island, there is a lighthouse known as the Balta Light. The first lighthouse here was built in 1895. It was one of the very first buildings in Shetland made from concrete.
The famous engineer David Alan Stevenson designed this original lighthouse. However, the first lighthouse was taken down in 2003. It was replaced by a smaller, modern light that uses solar energy to power it. This means it gets its power from the sun!
See also
In Spanish: Balta (isla) para niños
