Gloup facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gloup |
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 Houses at the end of the road into Gloup, with Gloup Holm beyond |
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 Gloup
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| OS grid reference | HP506046 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SHETLAND |
| Postcode district | ZE2 |
| Dialling code | 01957 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Gloup is a small village located way up north on the island of Yell. Yell is one of the many beautiful Shetland Islands in Scotland. Gloup is a quiet place known for its history and its connection to the sea.
The village of Gloup also gives its name to a small island nearby called Gloup Holm. This little island sits just off the coast from the village.
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What's in a Name?
The name Gloup might sound a bit unusual! It comes from an old language called Old Norse. In Old Norse, "gloup" means a deep, narrow valley or a ravine. This name fits well because of the way the land looks around the village.
You might also hear the word "gloup" used in other Scottish places. It often refers to a sea jet. This is a cool natural feature where waves crash into a cave and shoot water up through a hole in the rock.
The Gloup Fishing Disaster
Gloup is sadly famous for a very sad event that happened a long time ago. This event is known as the Gloup Fishing Disaster. It took place on July 20th and 21st in 1881.
A Sudden Storm
On those two days, an unexpected and very strong summer storm hit the area. The storm came all the way from the direction of Iceland. It caught many local fishermen completely by surprise.
A Great Loss
The storm was incredibly powerful. It caused ten fishing boats to be lost at sea. Most of these boats were a type called sixareens. These were traditional open boats used for fishing in the Shetland Islands.
Tragically, 58 brave fishermen lost their lives in this terrible storm. It was a huge loss for the small community of Gloup and the surrounding areas. Many families were affected by this disaster.
Remembering the Victims
A hundred years after the disaster, in 1981, a special memorial was built in Gloup. This memorial helps everyone remember the fishermen who died. It stands as a tribute to their lives and to the dangers faced by those who work at sea. The memorial also reminds us of the strong community spirit in Gloup.
