Day Trip to Stroma Island

We received an invitation to go on a boat trip to Stroma Island at the weekend from Annemarie, who is a member of The Wick Photography Club.  This was a rare opportunity to explore the beauty and wildlife on the island.  We jumped at the chance.

Stroma is an Island located off the northern coast of Scotland in between the Orkney Islands and Caithness.  Stroma Island has not been inhabited since the 1960’s and now sheep graze there in the peaceful surroundings, along with many birds and seals.  Stroma Island is surrounded by strong tides and many shipwrecks can be found there.  Stroma Island is 2 miles long and 1 mile wide.

We turned up at Gills Harbour and it was pouring with rain.  The trip was nearly cancelled, but everyone really wanted to go, so we went :)

Here’s a black and white moody view:

George took this beautiful panorama below:

We sheltered in an old house for a while until it had nearly stopped raining and then we walked to the lighthouse.  The lighthouse is located at Stroma’s northern tip:

I then took a walk over to the cliffs.  The sea was beautiful and clear and the birds looked like they were enjoying themselves:

So much wide open space with lots of derelict houses:

I had to go back and look at that beautiful clear blue sea.  In the photograph below, you can see the bedrock under the water, amazing colours!

The fulmars were circling around.  I was enjoying trying to photograph a fulmar in flight:

Just a few steps down along the coast and a Tern hovered above me:

I was on the hunt for Puffins.  Had seen one briefly on the boat trip over.  I headed back along the path and this bird landed on the fence right beside me:

Here is the war memorial:

I don’t think there have been any phone lines for quite some time.  Love these old red phone boxes:

One of the derelict houses.  It was like going back in time:

I arrived back at the harbour an hour early, so decided to take a walk along the coast where I hadn’t been.  Spotted a seal enjoying the sunshine!

Then I found the Kennedy Mausoleum.  I read that due to the constant spray of salt water over Stroma Island, dead bodies were mummified and they were housed in the mausoleum, which was built in 1677.  By 1786 the mummies had been destroyed, by cattle walking through the building, and careless visitors:

There were a few passing boats, and a few people waving.  Here’s the Orkney Ferry:

Then it was time for us to board the boat.  Have really good memories of this beautiful island and hope to go over there again soon!  Thanks Annemarie for inviting us and thanks to everyone from the photography club for making us so welcome!

And do you remember me wanting to take a photograph of a Puffin?  I didn’t get a photograph of one on Stroma, but  I was told where I would find one, and here we go!

A perfect end to a perfect day! :D

Hope you enjoyed my blog!