Stronsay

Stronsay was once home to a bustling fishing port where during the peak herring season, the population could swell by around 4,000 people.

Nowadays, the island is a little quieter, but a strong community remains and there are many excellent attractions for visitors.

Stronsay is known to have the best natural safe harbour in the North Isles.

On arrival, you will be met by a lovely view of the village — attractive, stone-built houses which cluster round the two piers.

Be sure to visit the refurbished Fish Mart for a taste of the history and a cup of tea in the café, and stop in past the Stronsay Hotel for a beverage and a locally sourced meal.

You may spot common and grey seals out on the rocks, and migrating birds can be seen from the bird reserve at the castle.

Sandy beaches and magnificent cliffs offer excellent opportunities for a scenic stroll or a hike, and the famous Vat of Kirbuster — a dramatic “gloup” is spanned by the finest natural arch in Orkney.

At the site, low tide offers an opportunity to view caves which have stalagmites and stalactites, and further round the coast towards Lamb Head you will find the Danes Pier — a natural harbour reputed to have been used by the Vikings.

Stronsay, like the rest of Orkney, pulses with unexcavated archaeology and, if you explore these sites, you will find brochs, settlements, burnt mounds and hermitages, all of which are documented and easily found.