The Orkney Image Library
Help us get organised! If we haven't correctly identified which area this picture is best listed under, please select it below and click Done!
RACKWICK in 1902
(image from Fred Johnston)
View Large VersionPicture added on 02 January 2011 at 14:00
Goodness there was even a school! I take it that all these houses were for fishermen and their wives. How many folk lived there in 1902?
Added by Barbara (Jolly) Watt on 07 January 2011
All tell thee Barbara!! that peedie school educated more master mariners than miby came oot o much bigger schools in the coonty so there thats thee telt!!
Added by John Budge on 10 January 2011
According to John Bremner, there were over a hundred people living in Rackwick in the 1800's. The school was closed in the early 1950's, following the dreadful tragedy when the two little Mowat boys were drowned in the burn. This reduced the school roll to two pupils, which was not sustainable. The school is now the Rackwick youth hostel.
Added by Fred Johnston on 11 January 2011
In the 1901 census, I can count at least 48 residents in Rackwick, but there were probably more, as the men at sea and the men and women at the herring fishing would not be at home to be counted.
Added by Fred Johnston on 11 January 2011
Hoy and Walls
