Orkney Image Library

A fine photograph. Why is it that a century later, with gee-whiz technology available to all, most of us are taking worse photos than this? Was the original as blue Bill, or have you tweaked it? Did you have to straighten the horizon?
That flattie looks brand-new. Probably the lady's hat is too. Can't identify the steamer. Her after mast is stepped further forward than any of the old 'Saints', it seems to me.

Strange looking vessel. There seem to be furled sails, a jib on the foremast and another on the mainmast. There is a boom on the mainmast too, which would seem to indicate a cargo hold below.
I can't find a similar image in either of the two "North Boat" books I have or in "Days of Orkney Steam".
I'm not sure about the flattie being brand new. Are there not rust stains on the gunwales below the tholepins?

I am pretty sure that the ship is the " Pole Star" which lay at a mooring off the Inner Holm prior to and after World War 1

Could this be the Pole Star, picture #2493 is rather similar?

Can't see much similarity with picture #2493. I'd go so far as to say this ship is definitely not the Pole Star nor any NLV (funnel too tall, no white on sides etc).

I agree with you Ian. I do not now think that this is the "Pole Star". There is a very good photograph of her (picture #15362) and as you say, the above picture bears no resemblance.

Could she be a sister ship to the Pole Star. the derricks on the fore mast are similar as are the cowlings in front of the funnel. There is also a cabin like structure on the stern of both.

I recently came across the picture #16629 and picture #24176 with inconclusive attempts to identify the vessel. I then went to "Old ship picture galleries" and found a photograph of what appears to be a similar ship but the picture is not of the best quality. This ship goes under the name of Pole Star. Does this help, or does it just add to the mystery?