Stronsay.
Shaped by the sea.
Spectacular beaches, shallow bays, and one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Orkney — a flat, fertile island on the eastern edge of the archipelago, with three great bays taking bites out of the land.
A peaceful village.
A former herring capital.
The ferry arrives in Whitehall — a peaceful place now and a far cry from its heyday as one of Scotland's busiest herring ports. Wander past the old fish-curing stations, then strike out beyond the village and you'll find green fields full of livestock giving way to dramatic coastal features.
Stronsay has an enterprising spirit too. A healthy creative community — makers, jewellers, soap-makers — happy to welcome visitors into their studios. The local development trust runs everything from free bike hire to plans safeguarding the future of the island.
"Orkney's star island, found on the eastern edge of the archipelago."
Long sweeps of sand,
turquoise water at low tide.
Mill Bay
A wide, sheltered sweep in the north. Calm shallows, perfect for a slow morning walk.
Sands of Rothiesholm
The island's most photographed beach — a long crescent of bright, near-white sand.
St Catherine's Bay
Quieter, west-facing, with rock pools and big skies at golden hour.
The Vat & other quiet wonders.
Vat of Kirbister
A beautiful natural arch tucked into the island's east coast — a circular collapsed cave, often described as the finest of its kind in the British Isles. Best paired with the Lamb Head circular walk.
Stronsay Heritage Centre
A small but rich museum in Whitehall, tracing the herring boom, island life, and the archaeology of Stronsay.
Lamb Head
The dramatic south-eastern tip — cliffs, seal colonies, and seabird nesting sites in early summer.
Slow ways
around the island.
Stronsay is gloriously flat — bring a bike on the ferry for free, or borrow one for free from the local development trust. Just bear in mind the famous Orcadian breeze.
Vat of Kirbister & Lamb Head Circular
Stronsay Beach Circuit
Whitehall & the makers.
The Stronsay Hotel
Community-owned and recently refurbished. Licensed bar, evening meals, seasonal menus.
Fish Mart Café
Opposite the hotel on the pier. Breakfasts, light bites, teas, coffees, home bakes.
Ebenezer Stores
In Whitehall — perfectly placed for the ferry. Fresh produce, frozen goods, post office.
Olivebank Stores
Centre of the island. A classic island shop that stocks everything — and probably more. Fuel here too.
Come as a guest,
stay as a temporary local.
Stronsay is at the forefront of community tourism in Orkney, partnered with SCOTO. Eat at the Stronsay Hotel or Fishmart Café, shop at Ebenezer or Olivebank, buy local crafts — every choice helps sustain the island.
Better still: actually join in. Most events are open to anyone, and many islanders happily welcome visitors into their daily lives.
Stronsay Markets
Roger will happily add you to the team for the day — work alongside him in the garden or help build a polytunnel.
Stronsay Photographic
Photography sessions and themed walks around the island with Roger's photographic business.
Craftship Enterprise
Weekly craft group — drop in, learn something new, or just sit and craft alongside the islanders.
The Stitchers
Monthly stitching group in the Moncur Memorial Church hall. Visitors very welcome to sit in.
Cuppa & a chat
Playgroup · Peedie Library · The Companions — gentle gatherings to share a cuppa and chat about island life.
Skills & workshops
Soapmaking, dyeing, spinning wool, art workshops — if one's running while you're here, you can usually book a space.
Tell us when you book and we'll connect you with whoever's running things that week — or reach out direct to the Visit Stronsay Group, who help coordinate visitor gatherings.
Community information courtesy of visitstronsay.com.
Three ways
to the island.
Stronsay is connected daily to Kirkwall. Choose road & ferry, inter-island flight, or travel light as a foot passenger. We can help with arrival timing — just leave a note when you book.
By road & ferry
By inter-island flight
By foot passenger
On the island
Photography & island information courtesy of orkney.com.
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