Muckle Flugga

Muckle Flugga (/ˈmʌkəl ˈflʌɡə/) is a small rocky island north of Unst in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It is often described as the northernmost point of the British Isles,[1] but the smaller islet of Out Stack is actually further north. It used to be the northernmost inhabited island, but forfeited that accolade to Unst when Muckle Flugga Lighthouse was automated in 1995 and the last residents moved out.

Muckle Flugga Lighthouse
Muckle Flugga

The name comes from Old Norse, Mikla Flugey, meaning "large steep-sided island". It has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names.[2]

According to local folklore, Muckle Flugga and nearby Out Stack were formed when two giants, Herman and Saxa, fell in love with the same mermaid. They fought over her by throwing large rocks at each other, one of which became Muckle Flugga. To get rid of them, the mermaid offered to marry whichever one would follow her to the North Pole. They both followed her and drowned, as neither could swim.[3]

References
  1. "Northern Lighthouse Board". Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  2. Parker, Quentin (2010). Welcome to Horneytown, North Carolina, Population: 15: An insider's guide to 201 of the world's weirdest and wildest places. Adams Media. pp. xi. ISBN 9781440504549.
  3. "Visit Hermaness National Nature Reserve, 2019 p. 2" (PDF). Scottish Natural Heritage. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
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