Our second trip to Yell, and this lovely old track. Interesting views and when placed this was the only cache on the Island. Yell is one of the North Isles of Shetland, Scotland, it covers an area of 82 square miles - 19 miles in length, with a maximum breadth of 7.5 miles. The island's bedrock is largely composed of Moine schist with a north-south grain, which was uplifted during the Caledonian mountain building period. Peat covers two thirds of the island to an average depth of 5 feet, with a maximum of 10 feet thick. The Island has been inhabited since the Neolithic times, and a dozen broch sites have been identified from the pre-Norse period. Norse rule lasted from the 9th to 14th centuries until Scottish control was asserted. The modern economy of the island is based on crofting, fishing, transport and tourism. Yell claims to be the "Otter Capital of Britain" – we had our best ever views of Otters at the pier at Gutcher, a mother and cub, we watched them for over 20 minutes! There are various possible derivations of the name Yell. It may originally have been a Pictish name of unknown meaning similar to the modern 'Yell'. The Proto-Norse was Jala or Jela which may have meant 'white island' referring to the beaches. The Old Norse was Gjall signifying 'barren'. The name was also recorded in 1586 as "Yella". In early modern times, it was written as "Zell" (cf "Zetland"). Notable buildings on Yell include the 17th century Old Haa of Brough in Burravoe , a merchant's house now converted to a museum and visitor centre. You can get a cuppa there too! Another place to look out for is the castellated Windhouse or Windhoose, the original house was built in 1707, but has been derelict since the 1920s. It is reputedly one of the most haunted houses in the country, the ghostly goings-on are attributed to the presence of an ancient graveyard under the original structure where skeletons have been found in the past. The building requires major structural repair, it has been purchased for restoration and will take several years to complete. The house is located beside RSPB Scotland's Lumbister Reserve and can be viewed from the road. So to the cache and how to get to it. It’s located just off an old track which is driveable with care in most normal cars, see logs so far, but it’s up to you! As we were pottering along from the Southern end to set the cache we pulled over to let a chap in a newish small white van pass, he obviously knew where he was going and was soon out of sight! The cache is a drink container and suitable for small swaps and most geocoins and TB’s. The cache was placed at the end of June, Simmer Dim is this time of year when it hardly ever goes dark. With thanks for the support of jaydee67 as caretakers. Listing updated with some local info. 02.08.09.
You must sign the log to claim this cache.