Stronsay is an island shaped by the sea. It’s home to spectacular beaches and shallow bays, and one of the most stunning stretches of coastline to be found anywhere in Orkney.
About Stronsay
Orkney’s ‘star island’ is found on the eastern edge of our archipelago. You’re never far from the sea in Stronsay, with three beautiful bays taking great bites out of the flat and fertile landscape. The beaches here are quite special, with long sweeps of sand and turquoise water, perfect for exploring at low tide.
The ferry arrives in the small village of Whitehall, a peaceful place now and a far cry from its heyday as one of Scotland’s busiest herring ports. Explore further and you’ll find green fields full of livestock giving way to dramatic coastal features, including the Vat of Kirbister, a beautiful natural arch tucked away on the island’s east coast.
Stronsay has an enterprising spirit too. There’s a healthy creative community, with makers happy to welcome visitors into their studios and workshops, and the local development trust is always working on exciting plans to safeguard the future of this special island.
Useful information
- Food & drink
Both of the island’s eating out locations are found in Whitehall.
The Stronsay Hotel has recently been taken over by the community and has undergone an extensive refurbishment. It has a licensed bar and offers meals for residents, as well as eat in or takeaway options on Friday evenings. Email stronsayhotel@gmail.com or phone 07398 627 742 to check opening times and book, or find the hotel on Facebook.
The Fish Mart Café sits opposite the hotel and is open all-year-round, with reduced hours in the winter months. On offer here are breakfasts, light bites, and lunches, as well as teas, coffees, and home bakes. Email fishmartcafehostel@gmail.com or phone 01857 616 401 to check opening times and book, or find the cafe on Facebook.
- Shopping
There are two excellent and well-stocked shops in Stronsay providing everything you need for a stay in the island, from fresh fruit and vegetables to frozen goods and local products.
In Whitehall, Ebenezer Stores is open all week and is perfectly positioned for folk arriving or leaving on the ferry. It’s also home to the island’s post office. Phone 01857 616 339 to check opening times in advance.
Towards the centre of the island you’ll find Olivebank Stores, one of those classic island shops that stocks everything you can think of, and probably more. It’s open Mondays to Saturdays – phone 01857 616 255 to check opening times.
- Fuel
The island’s fuel pumps are found at Olivebank Stores, with the opening times matching the shop. Check in advance by phoning 01857 616 255.
- Public toilets
There is a public toilet at the pier, with one gents’ toilet, one ladies’ toilet and an accessible toilet (Radar key needed) available.
There are daily ferries and flights on offer that keep Stronsay connected with Kirkwall and its neighbouring islands.
Getting to Stronsay by sea
Orkney Ferries operates daily return sailings between Kirkwall and Stronsay. Depending on the timetable, some of the sailings on either leg of the journey may call in past Eday or Sanday.
Bicycles are accepted on Orkney Ferries. Book your ferry tickets online via the Orkney Ferries website and contact the ferry company directly for more information on all its services.
Getting to Stronsay by air
Loganair offers flights to and from Stronsay daily, apart from Sundays. Advance booking for all inter-isles flights in Orkney is essential, particularly during the summer months. You can view the timetable on the Loganair website. Contact the Loganair team at Kirkwall Airport for travel information and advice.
Getting around Stronsay
Stronsay is big enough that you’d need a car or bicycle to make the most out of your visit to the island. If you’re flying, you can arrange to be picked up at the airfield by the local taxi service – phone 01857 616 376 or 07508 884 024 to arrange in advance.
Bicycles can be brought for free with Orkney Ferries, and the island is relatively flat throughout, although do bear in mind the famous Orcadian breeze. You can also hire bikes for free from the local development trust office - to book phone 01857 616 410 or email eco@stronsaydevelopmenttrust.com. Our Stronsay walking and cycling routes are an excellent introduction to the island.
There are no car hire options available in Stronsay.
Guided tours
There are no official guided tours on offer in Stronsay, but local folk and staff at the hotel, hostel, shops, and development trust offices will be more than happy to offer advice and islander tips on things to see and do.
As you might expect from the island of bays, time spent in Stronsay is mostly time spent by the sea.
But away from the coast, there are still plenty of other things to see and do too.
Find your perfect home from home in Stronsay.
