30-04-2025
We live on one of Scotland's most beautiful islands but constant mystery humming sound is driving us mad
Several people have reported a wide range of side effects after hearing the noise
'DISTURBING' NOISE We live on one of Scotland's most beautiful islands but constant mystery humming sound is driving us mad
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LOCALS on a stunning Scottish island are being driven mad by an "extremely disturbing" mysterious humming sound.
Residents on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides have been hearing the low-frequency noise, which has been measured at 50Hz, for months.
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Residents living on the Isle of Lewis have been hearing the low humming noise
Credit: Alamy
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Locals in Stornoway have heard the hum for months
Credit: Getty
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Several people in Callanish also reported hearing the noise
Credit: Getty
Hundreds of islanders have reported the "intrusive" noise, with many saying it sounds like a low buzzing sound.
And they explained that it has been heard inside and outside buildings at all times of the day and night, which means they can't escape it.
The first time it was reported was in late February by a householder in Ness, who thought their recently fitted smart meter might be the source.
It has since been heard across Stornoway, Callanish, Coll and Brevig in the following months.
Locals have been so frustrated with the noise that they have created a reporting group, which has led to a community council probe.
They have also launched a Facebook group called The Hebridean Hum: Low-frequency noise disturbance action and support group.
Some people on the Isle of Lewis have been experiencing a new and distressing low-frequency noise disturbance... in recent weeks, it has become loud, constant, and intrusive
Lauren-Grace Kirtley
In it, residents have been trying to figure out the source of the low-frequency noise and map where it is being heard.
The problem has been compounded by the fact that not everyone, even those in the same household, can hear the noise.
Admin Lauren-Grace Kirtley posted: 'Some people on the Isle of Lewis have been experiencing a new and distressing low-frequency noise disturbance.
"Since around February 2025, the sound has been intermittent — but in recent weeks, it has become loud, constant, and intrusive.
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'It has been measured at 50 Hertz using a spectrograph.
"This frequency falls below the hearing range of many people, but it and can be extremely disturbing for those who are sensitive to it.
'This noise is not just a background hum from appliances—it's a persistent, environmental tone that can be heard indoors and outdoors in multiple areas.'
Various theories have been floated over where it could be coming from, including power lines, substations, mobile phone masts, and the Battery Point power station in Stornoway.
While it has not yet been narrowed down, it is believed to be a "man-made" noise.
This frequency falls below the hearing range of many people, but it and can be extremely disturbing for those who are sensitive to it
Lauren-Grace Kirtley
The admin added: "Constant noise of this frequency is almost always man-made.
"Whilst 50 Hertz falls below the hearing of the majority of people, it is very intrusive and can be very distressing to those who can hear it, affecting concentration, sleep and general well-being. It can also cause vibration, dizziness, headaches and eardrum 'beating' sensations.'
Many have posted in the group to say how the noise has affected them, with one person saying it has impacted their sleep.
They wrote: "Been hearing 'the hum' in Stornoway for a few weeks now, thought I was imagining it for a while and didn't think much of it, but it's made me put on white noise or a fan to sleep, and can make me wake up not feeling refreshed.'
Another added: "Callanish; very low bass pulsing hum, but not all the time.'
While someone else posted: "I've heard it in Coll for a while.
"I like to take aurora shots so I'm often outside at night just to see if I can see it on camera. I had just thought that someone was working down in the harbour at Brevig.
"I went into town on Saturday morning and heard a similar noise and noticed the power station running.'
In a bid to help find the source, a fourth user said: "I have some experience detecting industrial low-frequency noise sources combining geographic and acoustical studies.
'In the area of Stonorway-Coll-Marybank-Garrabost, there can be one or several common LFN sources.
SIDE EFFECTS
HUNDREDS of islanders have experienced several different side effects after hearing the noise.
Not everyone can hear the noise.
However, those who do, have reported having the following problems: Disrupted sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Headaches
Dizziness
Eardrum 'flutter' sensations
Feelings of isolation
Feelings of distress
"Sources can be out of sight, but in the Lewis area it won't be difficult to find the source.
"Meteorological factors as wind direction and sound refractions due to atmospheric temperature inversions, play their role at night and in cooler seasons.
"Cruisers, ferries, cargo ships, engines that can be idling all night while moored, producing deep low low-frequency tones.
"Should check power stations, quarries and ready-mixed concrete, aggregates and asphalt.
'The key is to identify a source by sound signature comparison. When there's a distance between the source and reported location, higher frequencies can be lost, but lower tones remain identical.
"There are also other characteristics of the noise as pulse and a timetable of the real operations in every site.'
The issue is now set to be raised at the next meeting of Stornoway Community Council.
