Linga Sound (Orkney) facts for kids
Linga Sound is a narrow stretch of water, also called a strait, located in the Orkney islands of Scotland. It flows between two islands: Linga Holm and Stronsay. This sound opens up into St. Catherines Bay from the north.
About Linga Sound
Linga Sound is about 7.3 meters (or 24 feet) deep. The northern entrance to the sound is quite narrow. Linga Sound and St. Catherines Bay together create a safe place for boats to shelter. However, it can be tricky to enter because the land on both sides of the sound is low and gently sloped. This makes it hard to see the entrance, especially at night.
Linga Holm and Its Wildlife
Linga Holm, one of the islands bordering Linga Sound, was once home to people. However, by 1891, it was no longer lived on and was mainly used for raising sheep. The island also had many birds living there.
Today, Linga Holm is a very important place for wildlife. In October, large numbers of grey seals come to the island. They "haul out," which means they come onto the land to rest. About 2,000 seal pups are born on Linga Holm every year, making it a busy nursery for these marine mammals. The island's rough grass also provides food for greylag geese.
