Paradise say islanders
Come and share our
IT is a remote island paradise famous for its stunning views, sandy white beaches and turquoise bays.
Now its community of just 300 is launching a campaign to attract more visitors – and residents.
The Visit Stronsay campaign shares the residents’ stories on a new website, hoping to spread knowledge of the Orkney isle, entice visitors to take the ferry over, and boost the local economy.
The campaign highlights the island’s spectacular rock formations, bay vistas, and a diversity of seabirds and wildlife. It claims it is the perfect place for families.
Residents hope to double the number of 600 visitors the isle sees annually over the next three to five years.
It has proved to be the perfect escape for families leaving the hustle and bustle of London. Dianne Riley-Moore, who moved from the city seven years ago and opened her craft centre Craftship Enterprise, said: ‘We’ve invested in a new brand and website for Stronsay because we want our beautiful, wild island and its community to be sustainable and vibrant.
‘Over the last few years we’ve improved facilities for tourists on the island, with more accommodation, places to eat and better way-marking. So we now have the facilities for more visitors to come and enjoy the island’s wild beauty.’
Shirley Whiteman, who became the community nurse after moving from England with her husband and family in 2012, added: ‘We feel very much part of a lovely, friendly and welcoming community and have no regrets at making this beautiful island paradise our new and forever home.’