This note is from Karl Blind, writing in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1882, and reprinted in the Folk-Lore Society volume of 1903. He says that on Fetlar and Yell there are the ruins of water mills built in very remote situations, when mills could have been built much nearer. There are various legends of their being deserted on account of fairies disturbing them, of an old man being found dead in one, of an old woman being torn to pieces by spirits.
One remote spot called Gyodinali in Fetlar is named as a truly lonely place. That is all the source gives. No names, dates or exact mill sites are offered, so this is a thin report of a tradition, pinned at the island only.
It belongs with the many Shetland mill stories in which a mill that grinds at night draws a spirit, usually the nuggle, who stops the wheel.
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