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This photo is not really from Orkney although Stroma is whur neebouring Island from us here in Waas, only a few miles tae the sooth o us.
I wid like tae point oot how that island got little or no help from the council in Caithness and its population droped from over 400 untill by the 1960s all living on Stroma was ended.
The Stroma folk were a very resiliant kind o folk the men were good seamen and the woman were as capable at crofting and keeping the home going.
The island is now owned by the Simpson Family who farm sheep on the island.
Here we see over 30 children in the school.
View Large VersionPicture added on 12 August 2011 at 12:49
Any idea what year the photo was taken and who the teachers were?
Added by Herbert Mackenzie on 13 August 2011
If Stroma had been administered by Orkney County Council the it is probable that it would still have been inhabited today. Mind you, Caithness CC did end up providing their much needed pier...only by that time everybody had all but departed!
Added by Dave Dawson on 14 August 2011
The Schoolmaster at the time the 1932 photo was taken was George Manson (no relation). He was Head from 7.2.1930 until 30.6.1944. With shipwrecks common,the Finnish cargo vessel "Gertrud" foundered during fog, on Langaton Rock,1.6.1934,the headmaster and pupils all witnessing the incident. Fortunately there was no loss of life.
On Sunday 10 July, I, along with my three sons and others from Orkney Vintage Club made what was to be an unforgettable visit to Stroma, the birthplace of my Gt.Grandmother,Isabella Smith, born 20.8.1850.She was the daughter of Nicol and Catherine Smith(m.s.Banks).
We have photos taken of this magical island which we would like to share with you at a later date.
On Sunday 10 July, I, along with my three sons and others from Orkney Vintage Club made what was to be an unforgettable visit to Stroma, the birthplace of my Gt.Grandmother,Isabella Smith, born 20.8.1850.She was the daughter of Nicol and Catherine Smith(m.s.Banks).
We have photos taken of this magical island which we would like to share with you at a later date.
Added by Nicol Manson on 20 August 2011
Nicol I have lots o photos from Stroma of the shipwrecks that I would like to share on this site.
Unfortunatly Stroma is not part of the Orkney group but I feel they have more affinity to Orkney than they do to Caithness.
[Please feel free to add them John - Steven]
Unfortunatly Stroma is not part of the Orkney group but I feel they have more affinity to Orkney than they do to Caithness.
[Please feel free to add them John - Steven]
Added by John Budge on 21 August 2011
Would be great to see any reference to Stroma, John. There were two of my Stroma relatives who married Orkney people that I know of. Lots of itermingling with the fishing, dealing in animals and boatbuilding. The Orkney shop boats traded with the Stroma folk.
Stroma is part of the Caithness Parish of Canisbay.
Stroma is part of the Caithness Parish of Canisbay.
Added by Nicol Manson on 22 August 2011
My maternal grandmother was a teacher from Stroma. Married to Thomas Keldie.
Anonymous comment added on 02 March 2015
Thomas Leslie Keldie married Margaret Corrigal Simpson, whose parents were George Simpson and Christina Smith from Stroma. My paternal gt grandmother, Isabella, was a sister of Christina. They were daughters of Nicol Smith and Catherine (ms Banks),my gt gt grandparents.
Added by Nicol Manson on 16 March 2015
Margaret Corrigal Simpson was the maiden name of the the Stroma teacher.
Added by Bob Kelday on 17 March 2015
It will make a good entrance and exit for a tunnel across the Firth. :-)
Added by Beryl Simpson on 20 March 2015
My great great grandmother was Margaret Steven from Stroma
Added by Sandy Scott on 25 October 2015
Does anyone have any photos of Donald Smith b1887 married to Georgina Simpson or their family? Thanks
Added by Deb on 17 December 2015
Hi. I'm trying to piece together my dads line in Stroma. He was Charlie Simpson lived in Mallaig though we knew we were related to a George Simpson and others in the Wick area. Any help would be great.
Added by David Simpson on 28 March 2016
Does anyone know the name of the school teachers or headmaster? My grandfather was there in the 40's . Robert Mackay Gibson
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Added by Peter Gibson on 08 June 2019
Other South Isle
