Stronsay

Island in Orkney

Scotland

Stronsay

Stronsay is one of the inhabited islands in the Orkney archipelago, which is located in the northern part of Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers, Stronsay is home to a population of around 350 people. The island is known for its picturesque landscapes, stunning coastal cliffs, and rich history.

Stronsay boasts a diverse range of natural features, including sandy beaches, rolling green hills, and fertile farmland. The island's coastline is characterized by dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and secluded coves, offering visitors breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

The island's economy is mainly centered around agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Stronsay has a long history of farming, with sheep and cattle farming being prevalent. Fishing is also a significant industry, with local fishermen catching a variety of fish including lobsters, crabs, and whitefish.

Visitors to Stronsay can explore several historical sites, including the 16th-century St. Nicholas Kirk, which features a unique round tower. The island is also home to several Neolithic chambered cairns, showcasing its ancient past.

In terms of amenities, Stronsay has a primary school, a medical center, a post office, and a general store. The island is accessible by ferry, with regular services connecting it to the mainland and other nearby islands.

Overall, Stronsay is a charming and idyllic island that offers a peaceful retreat in a stunning natural setting, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a slower-paced way of life.

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Stronsay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 59.121056/-2.6094457 or Grid Reference HY6526. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Main Road on Stronsay

Main road heading to Stronsays southwest peninsula near Dale Farm, looking across Bay of Holland to the wind farm on Rothiesholm Head.

Adam Ward

Coastline, Mill Bay, Stronsay, Orkney

Looking towards the Point of Cumley and Whitehall Village beyond.

Claire Pegrum

Coastline, Crooks Ness, Stronsay, Orkney

Claire Pegrum

Worm casts on the beach, St Catherines Bay, Stronsay, Orkney

Claire Pegrum

Beach, St Catherines Bay, Stronsay, Orkney

Looking towards Linga Holm. Eday and Rousay are beyond.

Claire Pegrum

Winch and slipway, St Catherine's Bay, Stronsay, Orkney

From Link

: "Remains of 2, perhaps 3, eroded, overgrown and partly filled-up nausts, too indeterminate for measurement. One of them contains an iron winch (Archers Patent) and faces an elaborate slipway made of two rows of huge flat-laid flags, the flags each 1.2m wide, the rows laid 0.7m apart, the space between being packed with edge-set transverse slabs. The slipway leads down to a cleared batsto with a sandy bottom, alongside which is a jetty of drystone masonry. "

Claire Pegrum

Stronsay: field at Yearnasetter

An unexpected shaft of evening sunlight catches the tyre ridges and undulations of this field on the west coast of the island, while the sea and distant lands are under cover of cloud.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: arriving at Mill Bay beach

A very short track from the road arrives at this splendid sandy beach, backed by low dunes.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: looking out across Mill Bay

A picture with not many features, but a splendid spot on a lovely sunny afternoon.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: the church

Bulky and central to the island, the Church of Scotland kirk was built in the mid 1950s. The church's website states that they are seeking a new minister but in the meantime they "very much appreciate the efforts of local people, plus two gentlemen from the Orkney mainland who have recently been ordained to the local ministry, who ensure services are held Sunday by Sunday" for their congregation of around 81 parishioners.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: the blue water of Mill Bay

Looking along the beach during a paddle.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: landward view at Mill Bay beach

A stripy view consisting of blue sky, some distant clouds, dunes, sand and a cold but beautiful sea.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: beach plants at St. Catherineâs Bay

Plants along the foot of the modest dunes which back the sandy beach. The island of Rousay looms large in the distance.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: St. Catherineâs Bay beach

A typical northern Orkney beach, wide sand and backed by dunes.

Chris Downer

Stronsay: postbox № KW17 129, Olivebank

This postbox is of a modern design, constructed of pressed steel and designed to be more robust, rustproof and theft-proof than the traditional cast iron box that it will have replaced in the last couple of years. It is one of four such boxes on the island and stands outside the Olivebank general stores.

Chris Downer