Balta
Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
| OS Name: | Balta |
|---|---|
| Shetland Name: | Balta |
 | |
| UK Grid Reference: | HP660080 |
| Area (ha): | 80ha |
| Population: | None |
| Community Council: | |
| Ferry Services: | None |
| Notes: | |
Balta, HP660080, is an uninhabited island which lies off the east coast of the island of Unst, and forms a natural shelter for Balta Sound, on the shore of which is the settlement of Baltasound.
The island is 44m at its highest point, Muckle Head.
Balta Sound Lighthouse, designed by David A. Stevenson, was built in 1895 at the southern tip of the island. It was demolished in 2003 when it was replaced by a small solar powered light.
The remains of a Broch is located at the north end of the island. There is also the remains of a chapel.
The Resolution initially went aground on the isle before finally wrecking at Cross Geo in the Harold's Wick, on either February 27th or 28th 1825, the New Waters wrecked on the isle on October 31st 1893, as did the Harvest Home on the north end on September 27th 1894, and the submarine HMS/M E49 was sunk between Balta and Huney while leaving Balta Sound on March 12th 1917. .
