Graemsay

An island in the western approaches to Scapa Flow in the Orkney Isles, Graemsay lies between the Mainland of Orkney and the island of Hoy. Rising to a height of 62m (203 feet) at West Hill, the island has an area of 409 ha (1011 acres). The population of crofters and fishermen has fallen from 51 (1961), to 39 (1971), 21 (1981), 27 (1991), 21 (2001) and 28 (2011). Graemsay is linked by ferry to Stromness and Hoy, its pier being located on the east coast southeast of the Hoy High Lighthouse on the Taing of Sandside. Both the Hoy High and Low Lighthouses were built in 1851 to safeguard the herring fleet sailing the dangerous waters of the Hoy Sound. On New Year's Day 1866 the ship Albion was wrecked off Point of Oxan, the island's northwestern extremity. Although its school was closed in 1996, Graemsay has a post office and a shop.


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