Stromness is a town of narrow lanes, flagstone streets and salty smoky air.

Would you like to know more about Stromness? For centuries this small jewel of a town has provided shelter for boats, ships and people and it retains much of the character of a bygone age. Stromness was home to the writer George Mackay Brown, and he took much of his inspiration from simply looking out of his window.

A walk with Dragon History tour will reveal some of the secrets, the stories, the characters:

• Who were the ‘wise women’ of the town?
• What awful discovery was made by John Rae in 1854?
• How did Hellihole Road get its name?
• Where did George Mackay Brown live?
• What is the link between Stromness and the Hollywood actress, Greer Garson?
• Why was a glass bottle full of pins and hair found in the wall of a Stromness house?

You can choose from two Stromness tours, the History Walk and the Creepy Tour.

History Walk

The History Walk takes you from the Pierhead to the cannon at the South End, through the closes and lanes of the town. Your guide walks with you, tells the tales and answers your questions.

Creepy Tour

The Creepy Tour follows a slightly different route and concentrates more on the darker side of Stromness history – the spirits, the folklore, the phantom ships and more. Your guide Fran dresses in a long black cloak and shares with you all the weird bits of history!

• Starting point: Beside the fountain at the Pierhead (in front of the Stromness Hotel)
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: >Adult £5.00, concession £4.00, child (15 and under) £1.00