Stromness
Stromness is Orkney’s second town. It flourished as a safe Haven for shipping during the Napoleonic and other wars, as southern trade routes were fraught with danger. The Hudson’s Bay company also developed strong links with Orkney and their trading ships watered and took on stores here. Such activities made Stromness a very busy and important port and to the original small cluster of houses were added many more substantial town houses for local merchants, agents and ships captains.
Stromness is also famed for inspiring sir Walter Scott to write “The Pirate”.Originally from Wick, Pirate (John) Gow was brought up in Stromness and, as an adult, returned to Orkney many times on various tallships including his most famous one “Revenge.” He was captured in Orkney and hung for piracy in 1725.
A lesser known associate of the town was John Rae, finally recognised in more recent years as the man who most likely discovered the North West passage. Another much loved son of the town is the author and poet George Mackay Brown. George spent many a day out along the street of his beloved town and was often seen on this very pier, as he visited a good friend nearby.
The main part of Stromness has changed little in the last few hundred
years. It remains sandwiched between the sea and Brinkies Brae
– the granite hill under which the town nestles. There is one main
street which winds through the middle of the town, widening and narrowing
seemingly as it pleases and, amazingly, still operating a two-way traffic
system. The street changes names as it meanders through the town: Alfred
street, Dundas street, Graham Place, Victoria Street, John Street….
All intersected by narrow closes and alleys along the way.
There are several shops in the town and virtually everything can be purchased here, from freshly baked bread to fishing tackle and diving accessories. There are five bars and several licensed restaurants all selling high quality locally sourced food.
