Sodom, Shetland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sodom
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 Sodom
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| Population | 100 |
| OS grid reference | HU547623 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SHETLAND |
| Postcode district | ZE2 |
| Dialling code | 01806 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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Sodom is a small place, or "settlement," located on Whalsay, one of the many islands in Shetland, Scotland. People who live there often call it Sudheim. It is a quiet community with a unique history, especially regarding its interesting name.
About Sodom
Sodom is found on the island of Whalsay, which is part of the Shetland archipelago. Shetland is a group of islands far north of mainland Scotland. Whalsay is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and fishing heritage. Sodom itself is a very small place, with only about 100 people living there. It offers a peaceful island life away from busy cities.
The Name's Story
The name "Sodom" might sound a bit unusual, but it has a simple origin. It comes from an old language called Old Norse. The original Old Norse name was Suðheim, which means "south home." Over time, as languages change, Suðheim became "Sodom" in English. This is a common way place names can change their sound and spelling over hundreds of years.
A Famous Visitor
For a time, Sodom was home to a very famous Scottish writer named Hugh MacDiarmid. He was a well-known poet who lived from 1892 to 1978. MacDiarmid found the English name "Sodom" quite amusing. He thought it was funny that such a quiet and peaceful place in Shetland shared a name with the famous city from the Bible. His time living there added a special touch to the history of this small Shetland settlement.
