Hunda

Hunda is an uninhabited island in the Orkney archipelago in Scotland. It is 100 hectares (0.39 sq mi) in extent and rises to 42 metres (138 ft) above sea level. It is situated in Scapa Flow and connected to the nearby island of Burray by a causeway built in 1941 to stop passage of small surface craft as part of the boom defences, and thence to the Orkney Mainland via the Churchill Barriers.

Hunda
Scottish Gaelic nameUnknown
Old Norse nameHunðey
Meaning of nameOld Norse meaning 'dog island'.
Location
Hunda
Hunda shown within Scotland
OS grid referenceND437967
Coordinates58.85°N 2.98°W / 58.85; -2.98
Physical geography
Island groupOrkney
Area100 hectares (0.39 sq mi)
Area rank149
Highest elevation42 metres (138 ft)
Administration
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
CountryScotland
Council areaOrkney Islands
Demographics
Population0
References

The name is derived from the Old Norse for 'dog island'. The Vikings made the Orkney Islands their headquarters for their expeditions against Scotland and Norway, and the islands were under the rule of Norse earls until 1231. The island is rich in bird life, and contains a disused quarry. A small inlet in the northern cliffs is known as 'Sunless Geo'.

Hunda is currently used to raise sheep and goats for wool.

58°51′15″N 2°58′39″W

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