LOWER VILLAGE (THE STATION)

Fair Isle Connections

From The Herring Fishing, Stronsay Vol. 1, by W. M. Gibson, pp 15-16

The herring fishing [in the mid-1800s] brought prosperity to Stronsay. It also brought new blood. There was an increase of the permanent population during this boom, and the most dramatic influx was from the Fair Isle. This element again was most beneficial for many Fair Isle men were good fisherment with experience. and instincts for the sea going back many generations. They settled mostly in the village that Mr Laing had built.

 

The Station, Davies on left, looking toward west.

Describing this photo on Orkney Image Library, Stronsay native Bill Miller wrote on 23 December 2008: "On the left of the picture are two small houses where Sarah Muir and Lizo Peace lived. The three storey house was called "Davies" and was pulled down to get stone for the new Moncur Memorial Church. I was there (1954 ish) the day that Dod Burghes hauled down the gable end with Ernie Firth's lorry and a long steel rope.The house on the corner was where the Taylor's lived. The next one was No 27 where I was born. Next to us lived Bessie Reid and Johnny Williamson.Then came Eric Wylie and family (Where the abbatoir now stands) Then there was Jack Coleman and Bella Williamson, then Peter Cooper and May Stockan. Next to that was Annie & Robbie Logie, and then Willie Cooper and Cissie . . . then just out of the picture, Ebinezer Cottage."

 

Looking east toward village, tall building centre is Davies.

Lower Village with Minerva (and shop) to the right, Kildinguie (Masonic hall) centre, Mission Hall and rest station (white building) and two-storey accommodation for gutter girls (far left)

Closer view of James Chalmers' shop at Minerva, c. 1928