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Balta is an uninhabited island in Shetland, Scotland, lying east of Unst and Balta Sound. It has an area of 0.8 km².
Historic remains on the island include the ruins of a broch and of a Norse chapel dedicated to Saint Sunniva. There are no census records of more recent inhabitation.
An early concrete lighthouse designed by David A. Stevenson, was built in 1895 at the southern tip of the island. This structure was demolished in 2003 when it was replaced by a small solar powered light.
A natural arch is located on the eastern side of the island.
References
- Hamish Haswell-Smith The Scottish Islands ISBN 1841954543
- shetland-news.co.uk
"Balta Island"