ISLANDERS in the Outer Hebrides are reportedly hearing a mysterious low-frequency humming sound all day and night.
Around 200 people in Lewis have reported hearing the noise, which locals say is “impossible to ignore” and is louder nearer the coast of the island.
Lauren-Grace Kirtley, who has set up a Facebook page dedicated to the noise which has been dubbed the “Hebridean Hum”, said the sound has prevented her from sleeping properly for several weeks.
“It's impossible to ignore - it is like somebody shouting in your face constantly for attention,” she told BBC Scotland.
Marcus-Hazel McGowan, who has been using amateur radio techniques to try and find the source, also told the broadcaster: “It's just trying to narrow it down and hoping nobody loses their mind completely over it.”
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said it had received reports relating to low-frequency sounds from a small number of islanders.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “As with any other reports of this nature, the comhairle's environmental health team is investigating and will liaise with those who have reported issues.”
Kirtley said the hum could be heard across Lewis and that it was less noticeable in the centre of the island and strongest on the east coast.
She added that the Hebridean Hum had been recorded at a low frequency of 50hz.
“It is a very low, humming, droning, pulsating noise. It's incredibly intrusive and distressing,” she said.
“I haven't slept a night through for weeks and have problems concentrating.
“I get a lot of fluttering in my ears. It's making me dizzy and giving me headaches.”
McGowan, who said he is determined to find the source of the mysterious hum, has ruled out SSEN's Battery Point Power Station in Stornoway and also believes it was unlikely to be coming from boats.
The power station on the island is only operated at certain times, while the hum has been reported as a constant problem.
McGowan, who moved to the island partly because of the peace and quiet it offered his family, told Good Morning Scotland: “It is one of those you cannot escape from.”
