Linga, Bluemull Sound facts for kids
| Gaelic name | Unknown |
|---|---|
| Norse name | Lyngey |
| Meaning of name | Heather Island |
 Linga from the north |
|
| OS grid reference | HU557986 |
| Coordinates | 60°40′N 1°00′W / 60.66°N 1.0°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Shetland |
| Area | 45 ha (111 acres) |
| Area rank | 210= |
| Highest elevation | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Shetland |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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|
Linga is a tiny island in the Bluemull Sound in Shetland, Scotland. No one lives on this small island. It is one of several islands in Shetland that share the name Linga. The island covers about 45 hectares (that's like 111 football fields!) and its highest point is 26 meters above sea level.
Island Location and Landscape
Linga is made mostly of strong rocks called "mica-schist" and "gneiss." These are types of rocks that have been changed by heat and pressure deep inside the Earth.
The island is located off the east coast of Yell, close to the village of Gutcher. A narrow stretch of water called Linga Sound separates it from Yell. To the northeast, you can see the island of Unst. Other nearby islands include Sound Gruney and Urie Lingey to the southeast, and Hascosay to the south. There isn't much fresh water on Linga.
Island History and Stories
There's an old story about a man named Jan Tait from Fetlar. People say he once kept a bear on Linga! This story might be why a place on the island is called "Bear's Bait." Jan Tait was in trouble with the law in Norway, but he was pardoned because he captured a bear that had been causing problems there.
You can also find the remains of an old chapel on the island. Long ago, a rich duke wanted to build a huge house on Linga after buying some land. However, his plans fell through because doctors and other important services wouldn't agree to come to such a small, faraway island.
In 1923, a ship called the SS Jane had an accident near Linga. The ship, which weighed 840 tons, was carrying herring fish from Baltasound to Lerwick. It hit the island and later sank into the water about 20 meters deep, just off the coast.
In the northern part of the island, you can still see the remains of a sheep fold, which is a pen used to keep sheep.
Wildlife and Nature
It's a bit surprising, but even though the name Linga comes from a Norse word meaning "heather isle," not much heather actually grows here!
However, Linga is an important home for wildlife. You can often spot otters playing in the water. Many guillemots, which are seabirds, also breed on the island. And seals come to Linga to have their pups and rest on the shores.
