A walk around Stromness,, Orkney

As well as arriving at Stromness by ferry from the port of Scrabster on the Scottish mainland I visited the town on two other occasions. I will put them both into one post so bear with me on the "sudden" change of weather!!!

Stromness takes its name from the Norse name "Straumr Nes" meaning the headland in the tidal stream. Nearby Havanoe Harbour means Haven Inlet in Norse. While there was a settlement in the area from the 11th century it is only in the 16th century that the town started developing. This development was the result of the wars between England and France between the mid-17th century and early 19th century. The route around Northern Scotland became a safer option than the English Channel.

While I made my base in the main town of Kirkwall as it had better transportation options I found the history and buildings in Stromness much more compelling and photogenic.

So let's go for a walk around town!!!

The bus stop is right outside the ferry terminal and it's just a few steps over to this view. No ferry is docked right now!!!

I imagine this is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

The Stromness Hotel was established in 1901 by John McKay who came from Durness. (where my Scottish ancestors are from!)

The main road is narrow but you just jump out of the way when a vehicle comes.

Stromness Parish Church was erected in 1862.

I thought this was interesting.

The Hudson's Bay Company played a huge part in the history of Stromness and Orkney. From around 1702 recruitment began in Orkney and by the end of the 18th century three-quarters of the Hudson's Bay Company workforce in Canada were Orcadians. The Hudson's Bay Company ships watered and took on stores in Stromness until the beginning of the 20th century.

I was quite excited to see colour of this building. Blue and yellow are my favourite colour combinations.

For the ozzies.

There were lots of little passages off the main street .

I applauded this homeowner for trying to brighten up their property.

Dr John Rae is quite a local hero and understandably so.

I loved this!!!

These are typical building designs in both Orkney and Shetland.

I loved these little "peek-a-boo" sightings of the sea between the houses.

You knew there had to be a dog (or two) somewhere!

Robert FitzRoy was a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy and a scientist. He developed a system where there was a type of barometer in every port for ship crew to consult before venturing out to sea. This is considered the first early form of weather forecast. Earlier in his career he was commander of the Beagle on one of Charles Darwin's expeditions. He and Darwin (my hero!) were friends but did clash on occasion on this five-year voyage (who wouldn't- that's a long time to be stuck on a ship) - FitzRoy's nickname was "Hot Coffee" because of his quick temper!