Hildasay

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Hildasay (Old Norse: Hildasey), also known as Hildisay, is an uninhabited island off the west coast of the Shetland Mainland.

Geography and geology

Hildasay has an area of , and is 32 metres (105 ft) at its highest point. It consists of red-green granite (epidotic syenite) that was quarried for many years.[1][2]

The south coast has two narrow inlets, Cusa Voe and Tangi Voe. "West", the larger of two lochs, has a single islet. A satellite island, Linga lies to the south east. A long line of skerries and holms lies to the north west.[1]

History

The island possibly takes its name from a Norse war goddess.[2]

Hildasay has been uninhabited since the late nineteenth century, but as late as 1891 had a population of 30. The island's former industries included curing herring and quarrying granite. The remains of a railway line leading from the quarry to the harbour can still be seen.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Overview of Hildasay". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 2007-12-15. 
Scalloway and South West Shetland Islands

Coordinates: 60°8′48″N 1°21′35″W / 60.14667°N 1.35972°W / 60.14667; -1.35972


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