Graemsay

Graemsay is a compact, low-lying island in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, sitting in Hoy Sound between Hoy and the Mainland. It’s reached by a short ferry from Stromness and is known for its quiet, car-free lanes, grassy crofts and sweeping views across Scapa Flow - a reminder of the area’s strategic naval history.

The community is small and close-knit, with an economy centred on crofting, small-scale tourism and seasonal visitors; walkers and birdwatchers come for the marine and seabird life and the clear panoramas of neighbouring islands. Traditional stone cottages and simple island life give Graemsay a timeless feel, popular with people wanting a peaceful Orkney experience away from the bigger settlements.