Linkshouse, Mid Yell

2-storey and attic 3-bay near-symmetrical former merchant's house of rectangular plan. Harled rubble walls. N (SEAWARD) ELEVATION: near-symmetrical, door offset to left of centre at ground, blank in flanking bays, regular fenestration at 1st floor. W GABLE: asymmetrical 2-bay gable with windows at 1st floor and attic in bay to left only. S ELEVATION: door offset to right of centre at ground, raggle of former gabled porch above; windows in flanking bays, windows at 1st floor in bays to centre and left only. E GABLE: single window to left at 1st floor. Harled stacks and concrete skew-copes to gables.

Linkshouse is currently (1997) roofless with windows and doors boarded up due to a fire in the early 1990s. It is likely that the S elevation was the front of the house, and that (like the Bod of Gremista and Gardiesting) the ground floor was used for storage and trading, accounting for the lack of windows on the N elevation. Its unusual fenestration and pier-head position make it an interesting and historic focus to Mid Yell. (Historic Scotland)

November 1990: SCT receives reports that the roof was recently storm-damaged, and has been removed. The interior is reported as fire-damaged, and it is believed that the condition of the house is becoming critical. 10 December 1993: The Shetland Times reports that Shetland Council has decided not to pursue acquisition after being offered the house free of charge by the owners. The house is reported to be deteriorating and in danger of collapse. The Council is to grant funds of £5,000 to the owners to carry out essential stabilisation works, including the removal of debris, the propping of lintels, the boarding up of doors and windows, removal of loose masonry, repointing of open cracks and voids, and stabilising exposed wallheads. December 1996: SCT understands that stabilisation work is now complete. August 2000: External inspection reveals that a brick inner skin has been added to the east gable, and the chimney rebuilt. The front wall is now severely out of plumb. Windows and doors are boarded up. SCT receives information that Yell Crafts of Mid Yell is interested in establishing an arts and crafts centre in the house. June 2006: External inspection reveals no significant change.

March 2010: External inspection finds the building remains a roofless shell with boarded up windows. Though the wallheads have plant growth on them and do not look secure, the building appears to be in a stable condition.

25 June 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

5 October 2022: External inspection finds that the condition of the building continues to deteriorate. The crack on the West elevation appears to be larger and repairs have failed. Building remains secured.

10 August 2023: The Shetland Times reports (08/08/2023) an application has been submitted for demolition of the building on the grounds of public safety. Council officials and HES have voiced concerns about the lack of detail in the plans and notes Council officials intend to recommend plans for demolition be refused at the next planning meeting.

Listed Building Consents (2023/079/LBC) for the demolition are awaiting decision.

22 August 2023: Shetland News reports (16/08/2023) that councillors have backed the demolition of the building despite formal objection from HES and recommendations from local planners to refuse application for demolition. The final decision will go to Scottish Ministers.

28 March 2024: Listed Building Consent for demolition of the building has been conditionally approved, on appeal, by the Scottish Reporter. Risk level moved to Critical.