Bluemull Sound facts for kids
Bluemull Sound is a narrow stretch of water, like a small sea channel, located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It lies between two islands called Unst and Yell. This sound is an important waterway for local travel and has become famous for its special way of creating clean energy.
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What is Bluemull Sound?
Bluemull Sound is a strait, which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger areas of sea. It separates the islands of Unst and Yell, which are part of the North Isles in Shetland. A regular ferry service crosses the sound, helping people and goods travel between these islands. The small island of Linga is also found within Bluemull Sound. On the Yell side of the sound, you will find the village of Cullivoe.
Clean Energy from the Sea
Bluemull Sound is home to a very special project that uses the power of the ocean to make electricity. In April 2014, the "world's first community-owned tidal power generator" started working here. This means the local community owned and operated the system.
How Tidal Power Works
The first turbine used was a 30 kW Nova Innovation device. It was owned by the North Yell Development Council. This turbine connects to the local electricity network using a 1 km long underwater cable. The energy it creates helps power an ice house and provides electricity for up to 30 local homes.
In August 2016, an even more powerful 100 kW tidal turbine was added. This shows how Bluemull Sound is a leader in using the ocean's natural movements to create clean, renewable energy.
The Name of the Sound
In the early 1800s, old sea maps and records sometimes called this area "Blumel sound". However, by 1865, it was officially known as Bluemull Sound. It is not fully clear why the name changed over time.
