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Stromness
Stromness (ON Straum-nes, Stream Point) was also called
Hamnavoe (Harbour Bay) by the Vikings. This excellent harbour
is the ferry terminal for the crossing to Scrabster in Caithness.
There are also many small fishing boats and dive boats which
work from here, and one of Orkney’s three RNLI Lifeboats
is based here.
The town dates from the 17th century and for many years
supplied water, stores and crewmen to ships taking the northern
route around Britain as well as ships of the Hudson’s
Bay Company and whalers. During the Herring Boom in the late
19th and early 20th centuries it was also very busy.
 The winding, flagstone-paved street is the backbone of the
town. Many of the houses on the shore side have their own
piers, while the houses higher up are reached by a multitude
of narrow lanes. The lack of space for new development in
the town has ensured that it has retained its attractive
character, with the industrial area being situated on the
outskirts.
The intimate nature of the town makes Stromness popular
with visitors and several events take place here including
the Orkney Traditional Folk Festival, the Stromness Shopping
Week and the Beer Festival.
The Stromness Museum has a fascinating series of displays
on mostly maritime and natural history themes. These include
the Hudson’s Bay Company connection, the scuttle of
the WW1 German High Seas Fleet, and Orkney birds, mammals,
molluscs and insects.
Also well worth a visit is the Pier Arts Centre with its
permanent collection of 20th century art and temporary exhibitions.
This attractive old building was once the agency and store
for the Hudson’s Bay Company and is built on a pier
near the ferry terminal. It has recently been refurbished
and extended to accommodate a greater variety of work.
 There are many interesting shops in Stromness, offering
a range of local crafts, knitwear, books and art, as well
as several grocers and hardware shops.
Apart from the timeless attraction of watching boats and
people around the harbour, Stromness has a golf course and
a variety of fine walks. There is an excellent panoramic
view from Brinkie’s Brae (94m) above the town.
The beach of Warebeth lies to the west and offers fine views
of the Hoy Hills and Hoy Sound. There is a fine coastal walk
to it via the Point of Ness. This continues to Breckness.
This shore has many interesting rock formations which date
from 350 million years ago.
At the north end of Outertown, the Black Craig (111m) offers
a fine panorama from the old coastguard hut. A little further
on is North Gaulton Castle, a fine, but little visited, rock
stack. |
