Muckle Roe Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Muckle Roe
Physical geography
Norse name	Rauðøy Mikla
Meaning of name	big red island
Muckle Ayre
OS grid reference	HU317650
Coordinates	60°22′N 1°25.5′W / 60.367°N 1.4250°W / 60.367; -1.4250
Island group	Shetland
Area	1,773 hectares (6.8 sq mi)
Area rank	37
Highest elevation	Mid Ward 172 metres (564 ft)
Administration
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Country	Scotland
Council area	Shetland Islands
Demographics
Population	130
Population density	7.3people/km²

Muckle Roe is a beautiful island in Shetland, Scotland. It is located in St Magnus Bay, west of Mainland. About 130 people live here. Most of them work in crofting, which is a special type of small-scale farming. They mainly live in the southeast part of the island.

The name 'Muckle' comes from the Scots language. It means 'big' or 'great'.

Island History
- Connecting the Island: The Bridges
Geography and Geology
- The Red Island's Rocks
Island Population
Gallery
See also

Island History

Muckle Roe is mentioned in an old Norse story called the Orkneyinga saga. This shows the island has a long history.

Connecting the Island: The Bridges

For a long time, Muckle Roe was separate from the Shetland Mainland. This changed in 1905 when a bridge was built. It crossed the Roe Sound and cost £1,020. This money came from public donations and a special grant. After the bridge was built, more people started to live on the island.

The first bridge was made of iron and concrete. It was later made wider and stronger. This improved bridge opened on October 22, 1947. A brand new bridge was started in May 1998. It was finished in January 1999 and officially opened on April 3, 1999. These bridges have been very important for the islanders.

Muckle Roe used to be part of a larger area called Delting. This changed when new laws were made in 1929.

Geography and Geology

Muckle Roe is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) wide. It has tall cliffs along its southern coast. The highest point on the island is called Mid Ward, which is 172 meters (564 feet) high.

The Red Island's Rocks

The island gets its name from its rocks. They are made of red granite. This is why the name "Muckle Roe" means "big red island" in a mix of Scots and Old Norse.

Most of the island is moorland, which is open, wild land. It has many small lakes, called lochans. In the east and southeast, you can find crofts, which are small farms.