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Stronsay
 Stronsay (ON Strjonsey, Profit Island) is one of the most
fertile islands in Orkney, and has a much indented coastline,
with many very fine beaches, as well as low cliffs on the
south east side, with several large caves, and a natural
arch at the Vat of Kirbuster.
Although most of the island is farmland, the large headland
of Rothiesholm is mostly moor, thus there is a large variety
of habitat and feeding areas for wildlife.
There are a number of archaeological sites
on the island, though there is little to see today because
it has been intensively farmed for many years. There is a
large chambered cairn at Kelsburgh near the Bu and two smaller
ones at Lamb Head.
On Papa Stronsay, now occupied by Transalpine Redemptorist
monks, there is a chambered cairn the “Earl’s
Knowe” and a chapel site, St Nicholas. This dates from
the 11th century, but the site may go back to the 8th century.
Herring Stronsay was a major centre for Herring fishing
for centuries. The Dutch were fishing for Herring in Orkney
waters in late Norse times and by the 17th century had over
2,000 boats working the North Sea. The island was used as
a harbour for Dutch and Fife boats during the season for
hundreds of years up until 1937, when the fishery collapsed
due to overexploitation.
 Kelp-making was introduced to Stronsay about 1719, to make
potash and soda, which were used in glass and soap manufacture
and were in short supply due to the American and French Wars.
Kelp was produced by burning dried seaweed in pits on the
shore. The expansive beaches in the North Isles were excellent
sources of seaweed, which had traditionally been carted onto
the land as fertiliser, and, at the peak, Orkney was exporting
3,000 tons per year.
The boom lasted from 1780 to 1830, and brought much money
in to the landowners, some of which was invested in farm
improvements. Kelp pits can be seen at many places round
the shore, especially at Grice Ness, east of Whitehall.
Whitehall Village was very busy during the fishing season,
and once boasted the longest bar in Scotland. On Sundays
there were hundreds of boats tied up; however, the increased
catching power of the steam drifter meant that the stocks
of herring were exhausted before WW2.
Today the harbour is home to a few inshore creel boats. The
former Fishmarket has been done up as an interpretation centre,
cafe and hostel. The Stronsay Hotel in Whitehall has recently
been renovated and offers food and accommodation.
Beaches
 On Stronsay there is a beach for every wind direction. St
Catherine’s Bay, the Bay of Holland, the Bay of Huip
and Mill Bay have the largest expanses of sand, but there
are many other small beaches to explore.
Wildlife
Stronsay is an excellent island for birdwatching, being well
sited to attract migrants in spring and autumn. The diverse
range of habitats attract many unusual species at times.
Grey Seals haul ashore to pup at several places around the
island, with large numbers on Links Ness and on Linga Holm,
as well as on Grice Ness, Odness and Lamb Head. Common Seals
are also present.
Walking
Being flat, the island offers easy walking, with several
waymarked official trails. These include Odin Bay to Houseby,
Sand of Rothiesholm and Baywest, St Catherine’s Bay,
Grice Ness and Holland Farm to Torness.
Transport
Stronsay can be reached daily by sea and air from Kirkwall.
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