Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Balta Sound Lighthouse

🇬🇧GBOperational

A 5-meter white cylindrical skeletal tower constructed from aluminum in 2004 serves Balta Sound on the Shetland island of Unst. The structure, enclosed by white aluminum panels, has a focal height of 17 meters. It offers a geographic range of 12.4 nautical miles. The site is accessible, but the tower is not open to visitors.

Why it matters: This lighthouse aids navigation at Balta Sound, a waterway used by local fishing boats and ferries connecting the Shetland Islands. Its current design offers reliable maritime marking for the area.

Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM
Year Built
2004
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Height
5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
aluminum

Structure: square cylindrical skeletal tower enclosed by white aluminum panels

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
Scotland
Sea Region
Balta Sound, an inlet on the Shetland island of Unst, the northernmost inhabited island of Scotland, Great Britain.
Latitude
60.7403°
Longitude
-0.7947°
Nearest Port
Baltasound(1.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A3828
NGA No.
3524
ARLHS No.
SCO-014
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Balta Sound Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near United Kingdom, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App
Which ports and harbors does Balta Sound Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Balta Sound Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Baltasound at 1.7 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Uyeasound, Unst (4.8 NM SW), Yell and Fetlar (5.6 NM WSW), Belmont, Unst (6.2 NM SW), Cullivoe, Yell (6.5 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Balta Sound Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Balta Sound Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Balta Sound Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Balta Sound Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.