The town of Stromness is usually the first port of call for the visitor
to Orkney and is glimpsed for the first time from the car ferry as it rounds
the headland prior to docking. The first impression of Stromness is that
of an old traditional stone built port that nestles comfortably against
the hillside of Brinkies Brae. The main street through the town is very
narrow with flag paving and a cobbled centre. Steep narrow roads climb the
hillside on the north side of the street, while on the south, the houses
and shops back onto the shore.
Aerial view of Stromness
(C) Richard Welsby
The town had strong links with the Hudson Bay Trading company and
its ships called in to Stromness for supplies and to hire labour - in fact
many of the company's employees were Orcadians. At the south end of the
street is Login's Well, sealed in 1931, which supplied water to ships calling
at the port. A stone by the well bears an inscription proclaiming that water
from the well was used to supply Captain Cook's 'Discovery' and Sir John
Franklin's arctic exploration vessels. as well as the ships of the Hudson
Bay.
The Stromness Museum has permanent exhibitions on the first world war German
Fleet and the Hudson Bay Trading Company, as well as other items of local
interest.
Outside of Stromness, the Brig o' Waithe has the dubious distinction of
being the place where a stray bomb caused the first civilian death of the
Second World War.
Photograph courtesy of Richard Welsby
Holms of Stromness - unique holiday accommodation on a tidal island within Stromness
Stromness Hotel - overlooking the harbour in the heart of Stromness
Login's Well - historic accommodation with superb views