Stromness is the chief ferry port for the Orkneys lying on the west of Mainland, the largest island in the group.

In times past this was probably the busiest port in Scotland catering for the ships of many nations which passed through, rather than them take the southern route through the English Channel for whatever reason. Ships heading for the Americas stocked up with fresh water and provisions before attempting that final leg of the journey west.

The port was also an exceptionally busy fishing centre within the herring and whaling industries with people and boats from all over utilising the facilities Stromness could provide. One could imagine the place being a bit like an American 'wild west' town in those days.
Added to this was the Scapa Flow naval base which thrived in the earlier part of the twentieth century thus making the Islands of strategic importance to the whole of the U.K.

Today the town is just as busy, but probably more orderly, with it's array of varied buildings and shops.

There's a museum which has a wide selection of displays from all parts of the world which should interest the visitor and an Arts Centre based on life in the Orkneys of a more contemporary nature. Not far to the north are some ancient sites which depict a way of life beyond history itself.

Fishing is great with sea or river angling available to your heart's content. A good round of golf can be had for those who take pleasure in hitting a wee harmless ba'. Boating is another popular attraction of the area which I would think pretty obvious. Cycling is a good way to get around on the island.

Travel is by bus, coach or car.
For the tourists from abroad the nearest airports are Kirkwall with a connection to Stromness by bus or taxi. Wick, Inverness and Aberdeen all connect to Kirkwall by air. Glasgow and Edinburgh both connect to Kirkwall and the others.

Ferries to Stromness leave from Scrabster near Thurso, and Aberdeen.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

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