Overview of Papa Stronsay

A low, flat island of the Orkney Isles, Papa Stronsay lies to the northeast of the island of Stronsay from which it is separated by Papa Sound and covers an area of 74 ha (183 acres) Situated opposite the village and ferry port of Whitehall which it shelters, Papa Stronsay once had five fish-curing stations and luxuriant crops of grain and vegetables. Archaeological remains include a burnt mound, two cairns and derelict crofts. Thought to have been a hermitage for early Christian monks, the island's population fell from 28 in 1841 to 4 (1961) and 3 (1971) before being abandoned. It was purchased in May 1999 to become an island monastery with a population of 26, but this soon fell to just 10 (2001).