East Linga

East Linga is an uninhabited island of around 61 acres in Shetland, lying between Whalsay to the west and Grif Skerry to the east. It is an important breeding place for grey seals, and the smaller Calf of Linga to the north is joined to it at low tide. West Linga lies on the other side of Whalsay.

Landscape

East Linga is made of gneiss with veins of granite, a low, rocky island in the busy channel south of Whalsay. The waters around it are full of skerries and rocks, and some have different names locally from those on official maps: one rock marked as “Muckla Billan” on charts is known locally as “Peerie Fladdacap”. From East Linga there are views to Whalsay, the Out Skerries and the Mainland.

History

East Linga’s name comes from the Old Norse lyng-ey, “heather island”, a name shared with several islands in Shetland. Like many small islands, it was probably used for grazing by crofters from Whalsay. In December 2008 the bodies of eighteen grey seals were found on the island, some apparently clubbed to death, and a man was charged in connection with the discovery. The case caused shock across Shetland, where seals are a much-loved part of island life.

According to Scottish Natural Heritage, around thirty grey seal pups are born on East Linga each year.

More about East Linga

According to Scottish Natural Heritage, around thirty grey seal pups are born on East Linga each year. Whalsay, its large neighbour, is known as one of the most prosperous fishing communities in Scotland, with a fleet of large pelagic trawlers.

Visiting

There is no ferry to East Linga. It can be seen from the south-east coast of Whalsay, which has a ferry from Laxo on the Shetland Mainland. Please give the seals plenty of space, especially in autumn when pups are born. You can collect East Linga as a landing or a sighting in your Island Passport.

Wildlife and area

Grey Seal breed on East Linga in autumn, and Harbour Seal and Eurasian Otter are common around Whalsay. Look out for Arctic Tern, Black Guillemot, Shag and eider, and for great skuas in summer. Other islands nearby include Grif Skerry, Rumble, Isbister Holm and Mooa.