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YELL, island and sound in north of Shetland. The island extends northward to within 9J miles of north-western extremity of Unst ; is divided by only a narrow sound from south-western part of that island ; extends 19 miles southward, with a maximum breadth of 7J miles ; is swept all round by very impetuous tides ; has mostly a low coast, in many parts sandy, in the east, but extensively a bold rocky coast, partly precipitous, on the west ; is indented by seven or eight bays forming natural harbours ; rises slowly, in tame moorish surface, to elevations of from 200 to 400 feet ; presents comparatively little ground for farming, but very rich facilities for fishing ; contains the post offices of East Yell and Burravoe, several good residences, six places of worship, eight Scandinavian dunes, and ruins or vestiges of twenty ancient chapels ; and was anciently divided into the parishes of North Yell, Mid Yell, and South Yell, the first now united to Fetlar, the second and the third now united to each other. Pop. 2529. The sound divides Yell from Mainland ; extends 11 miles southward, with width of from 4J to 6J miles ; contains numerous isles and islets ; and has tidal currents often at rate of 9 or 10 miles per hour, so obstructed and tumultuous as frequently, for good portions of a day, to defy all boat navigation.