West Linga facts for kids
| Norse name | lyng-øy |
|---|---|
| Meaning of name | (west) heather island |
| OS grid reference | HU533651 |
| Coordinates | 60°21′36″N 1°02′05″W / 60.36°N 1.0346°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | Shetland |
| Area | 125 hectares (0.48 sq mi) |
| Area rank | 133= |
| Highest elevation | 52 metres (171 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Shetland Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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West Linga is an island in Shetland, Scotland. It is not currently home to any people. This island is located between Mainland and Whalsay.
Contents
Exploring West Linga: Geography and Nature
West Linga is a long, thin island. It is mostly covered in rough, wild plants called heath.
Where is West Linga Located?
The island is separated from Whalsay by a narrow stretch of water called Linga Sound. To the west, it is separated from Lunning on Mainland, Shetland. Nearby, you can find smaller islands like Little Linga and Wether Holm. Wether Holm is separated by a channel about 3 meters (10 feet) deep.
What Does West Linga Look Like?
West Linga has two small lakes, known as lochs. There is also a natural arch made of rock in the northwest part of the island. The island has two main hills, one at each end, called North Ward and South Ward. You can also find a cairn in the south. A cairn is a pile of stones built as a monument or landmark.
Understanding West Linga's Rocks and Land
The rocks on West Linga are a type called gneiss. This rock has veins of granite running through it. In the south, near Croo Wick, there is a raised beach. This means the land here was once a beach at sea level, but it has been lifted higher over time.
West Linga's Past: A Look at History
People lived on West Linga at different times until the late 1700s. It was hard for people to settle there for good. This was because there was no safe place for boats to anchor. Also, the water was a bit salty, making it difficult to drink.
Early Records of West Linga
In 1485, some land on "Liungøuo í Hwalsøyo" was recorded for sale. This happened at Holy Cross Church in Bergen, Norway.
A Poet's Visit to West Linga
Hugh MacDiarmid was a famous Scottish poet. He lived on the nearby island of Whalsay. He once said he spent three days living in a cave on West Linga. He claimed he had many matches and two books with him. However, it later turned out he had only been there for a few hours. One of his well-known poems is called On a Raised Beach.
