Bluemull Sound

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Shetland

Scotland

Bluemull Sound

Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) passing Gutcher Taken from Belmont on Unst. — Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) passing Gutcher Credit: Mike Pennington

Bluemull Sound is a body of water located in the Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the northeast coast of mainland Scotland. It stretches between the islands of Yell and Unst, connecting the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.

As a sea channel, Bluemull Sound is approximately 10 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide at its widest point. It is characterized by strong tidal currents, reaching speeds of up to 4 knots during peak periods. The area is known for its rugged beauty, with steep cliffs and rocky shores lining the sound.

Bluemull Sound serves as an important shipping route, connecting the mainland with the northernmost islands of Shetland. The sound is navigable for vessels of various sizes, although caution is required due to the challenging tidal currents.

Numerous small islands and islets dot the sound, adding to its scenic appeal. These include Bigga, Linga, and Hascosay, among others. The sound is also home to a diverse array of marine life, such as seabirds, seals, and various fish species.

The sound's estuarine nature means it experiences a mixing of seawater and freshwater, creating a unique ecosystem. It supports a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the brackish conditions.

Overall, Bluemull Sound is a picturesque and significant maritime feature in the Shetland Islands, serving as an important transportation route and supporting a rich and diverse ecosystem.

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Bluemull Sound Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 60.678562/-0.9908683 or Grid Reference HU5599. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) passing Gutcher

Taken from Belmont on Unst.

Mike Pennington

MV Merete Chris at Gutcher quarry

The Danish-registered ship, which is apparently a suction dredger, taking on rocks from the Gutcher quarry, using a grab on a crane on a vehicle which has been placed on the deck. There is not quay or pier here, the ship has just come as close inshore as it can.

Mike Pennington

Ferncliff House, Gutcher

Mike Pennington

Gutcher pier, Yell

Gutcher ferry terminal, from where the ferry connecting Yell with Unst operates. The Head of Gutcher lies across the Wick of Gutcher. Yell, Shetland

Carroll Pierce

Tidal turbines awaiting installation, Belmont

Mike Pennington

Hoga Ness Brough, Belmont, from the sea

Mike Pennington

Belmont, Unst

This was taken from the Gutcher-Belmont ferry as we come into port at Belmont, Unst, Shetland. We are on the Wick of Belmont and this is Belmont House, a category A-listed Georgian country house which was built in 1775 by Shetland landowner Thomas Mouat of Garth. Restored to its former glory between 1996 and 2010, it is now a private residence though it has been let out occasionally as a venue for cultural events and B&B accommodation.

Carroll Pierce

Smithfield, Gutcher

The Loch of Gutcher is behind, with a view across Bluemull Sound to Unst.

Mike Pennington

MV Bigga at Gutcher

The Bluemull Sound ferry awaiting its departure.

Mike Pennington

Fishing vessel passing the Head of Gutcher

A fishing boat, LK 75 Venturous, heading south through Bluemull Sound.

Mike Pennington

Ferry departing Gutcher for Fetlar

Mike Pennington

Wick of Gutcher

Kirsty Murfitt

Gutcher: the old post office

The telephone box is a clue but not definite proof that this was once a post office - but it was; see HU5499 : Gutcher. The postbox has been moved across the road since the closure of the post office in 2006 (see HU5499 : Gutcher: postbox № ZE2 95).

Chris Downer

Gutcher: postbox № ZE2 95

This postbox has been moved across the road from HU5499 : Gutcher: the old post office since the closure of the post office. It is emptied at 9:45am daily except Sunday. See HU5499 : Gutcher for a picture of the operational post office with the postbox outside.

Chris Downer