Stroma, oblique aerial view, taken from the N, centred on the lighthouse, and showing the edge of Nethertown township in the top half of the photograph.

Description Stroma, oblique aerial view, taken from the N, centred on the lighthouse, and showing the edge of Nethertown township in the top half of the photograph.

Date 13/6/1995

Collection RCAHMS Aerial Photography

Catalogue Number C 46136

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 875502, SC 1693746

Scope and Content Lighthouse and Nethertown from north, Stroma, Highland Stroma, meaning 'island in the stream', lies about 2km from the mainland of Scotland, close to John O' Groats. The island has always served as a place of refuge, due to its position amongst the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth. The two main settlements, Uppertown and Nethertown, were once home to a thriving community but the island gradually became de-populated in the 20th century, as people sought better paid jobs and a higher standard of living on the mainland. The last residents left in 1962. This shows the lighthouse on the northernmost point of the island. It was designed by engineers David and Charles Stevenson in 1896. Within the rectangular enclosure stands the lighthouse and accommodation blocks. The lighthouse was automated in 1994. Part of the abandoned settlement of Nethertown can also be seen (left). The treacherous seas around Stroma include a swirling eddy on the island's north side, known as the 'Swelkie'. An old Norse legend known as the 'Mill Song' tells that the Swelkie is caused by the revolving of two giant quernstones beneath the waves turned by giantesses. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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