Bruce Fletcher has been the editor of The Stronsay Limpet since 2009. In this film he explains how the newsletter came about and the subjects it covers, as well as giving an insight into island life on Stronsay, one of the North Isles of Orkney with a population of around 300.

Filmed and edited by Martin Laird (https://www.youtube.com/@martin_s_laird), researched by Fiona Grahame and produced by Orkney News Ltd, ‘Orcadian Stories’ is a series of short, filmed interviews of people who have played a part in creating a cultural legacy for the islands. The films focus on individuals telling their stories. The original theme music is by Eamonn Keyes.

This film has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. 

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Travelling on a budget is not a problem when visiting Stronsay. We’ve compiled a list of 50 free things you can do once you’re here. We’ll let you discover another 50 for yourself . . .

1. Cycle up to St. John’s Hill and take in the magnificent view aided by the interpretation marker.
2. Search for the geocaches hidden all over the island.
3. Go wild swimming in Mill Bay.
4. Play in the play park.
5. Walk from the village to St. Catherine’s Bay.
6. Go for a run just as the sun is rising.
7. Look for canoe shells on the Bu Sands in Rothiesholm.
8. Photograph the Aurora.

9. Have a rainy-day picnic in the community greenhouse.
10. Cycle around the Queen’s Drive.
11. Search for sea glass on the sands at Mill Bay.
12. Do tai chi or yoga on the beach.
13. Go camping.
14. Take a sunset stroll.
15. Sit with your back against a warm rock and watch the clouds.
16. Catch up on your emails at the Fish Mart Cafe.
17. Build a sand castle.
18. Make a list of all the different birds you see.
19. Sit in the seal hide and watch the seals playing in the water.
20. Find a sheltered spot and draw, sketch, paint a picture of what you see.
21. Visit the Vat of Kirbister.
22. Build a bonfire on the beach and roast marshmallows.
23. Photograph wildflowers.
24. Play football at the playpark in the village.
25. Create a nature journal.
26. Sit at the Ayre of the Myers and count the seals sunbathing.
27.  See how many cygnets are trailing behind the swans on the Matpow Loch.
28. Visit the Heritage Centre.
29. Look for grottie-buckies on the beach.
30. See how many different colours and patterns of periwinkles you can find.
31. Try to find a whole canoe shell.
32. Visit the ruins of the broch on Lamb Head.
33. Walk out to Burgh Head in the late afternoon to look for puffins.
34. Sit in a sheltered spot, close your eyes, and listen. What all can you hear?

    

35. Go snorkelling in the Bay of Franks.
36. Sit in the Fish Mart and read a book.
37. Take a picnic to Straenie Water and look for Cubbie Roo’s Laid.
38. Search for the Well of Kildinguie.
39. Look for fossils.
40. Try to read a newspaper outside on the Longest Day.
41. Meditate or Pray.
42. Wrap up warm and try to name the constellations on a starry night.
43. Watch the lambs frolic in the fields.
44. Lie down on a sun-warmed rock and take a nap.
45. Sit on the mermaid’s chair — if you dare
46. Fly a kite on the beach.
47. Explore some rock pools.
48. Visit Moncur Memorial Church.
49. Play catch with your dog on the beach.
50. Do absolutely nothing — doesn’t that sound wonderful?

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Roger Neville-Smith was the competition winner, and his post (in the form of a letter written by a visiting friend) and photos are presented here:

Roger writes: I have received this letter from my imaginary friend Ralph . . .

Dear Roger, I’ve just  got home after a lovely break in Stronsay, which you recommended. I hesitated when thinking of a winter break, but was so pleased that I went ahead with the plans.

I decided to travel by ferry to witness the passage from Mainland Orkney to Stronsay. The myriad of  little islands we passed were fascinating, as was the circuitous route to the harbour at Whitehall. Travelling on a budget, I had booked to stay at the Fishmart Hostel, which is in the heart of the village. Although self-catering, I took advantage a few times of the adjoining  cafe. Electric bikes were available for hire for free, and this was a great way to see the island.

Stronsay is rightly famous for its extensive sandy beaches: Mill Bay, Rothiesholm Bay and St Catherine’s Bay are easily accessed by road. If we had had more time and better footwear there were lots of other beaches off the beaten track. Sea birds always accompanied our trips, and usually a seal would pop up to check us out.

I chose three of the numerous businesses to see and enclose a few photos as a memo. Marion Miller Jewellery, based in the south of the island, was available after I checked with her on the phone. Seeing the artist at work up close was fascinating.

The Book Nook, based in a wooden outbuilding, is packed with books. Vicki is very knowledgeable, and I got the impression she had read most of the books. Books were for loan or sale, and a mystery-wrapped book was given to complete the trip.

To the southeast, is Airy Fairy, run by the seamstress Hazel Shearer. Here, there was a very friendly welcome, including a cup of tea, which we deserved after the bike ride. The showroom is beautiful, demonstrating the range of children’s dresses, quilts, etc. that she  makes.

 I want to see more, relax more and just be in Stronsay again.

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