Papa Stour

HURDIBACK BACKPACKERS

BUNKHOUSE

Papa Stour is located off of the West coast of the Shetland Mainland. The 22 miles of coastline is constantly battered by rough seas and oceanic swells. The wave patterns have carved out many sea caves and tunnels over the years, creating some of the most dramatic coastlines in Britain. The name Papa Stour comes from the Norse words 'Papey Stjora' which means 'Big island of the priests'. This refers to the Celtic missionary Community that was believed to have existed here in the 6th and 7th centuries.

The population of Papa Stour live in the fertile SE area of the island. The island population reached its peak in 1885 when there were around 360 people on the island, employed mainly in crofting and fishing. The current permanent population is less than 20.

The island has 24 ruined water mills, 12 burnt mounds and a neolithic settlement site.

Papa Stour was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1975, and the seas around the island were given a Marine Conservation Area status.

The island has an abundance of wildlife with Orcas, Otters, Common and Grey Seals and 18 species of breeding seabirds.

The island was first populated around 3000 BC. Shetlands oldest surviving document dated 1299 pertains to Papa Stour, and the remains of a stofa, believed to be that mentioned in the document, were found by Dr Barbara Crawford of St Andrews University between 1977 and 1982. For further information on the history and archaeology of the island, contact Jane Puckey, Secretary of the Papa Stour History Group at janepuckey@hotmail.com.

Papa Stour can be reached by car ferry (see contact details and Travel Page). The ferry runs five days a week, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun. On Tuesdays there is a direct flight from Tingwall airport (see contact details and Travel Page). There is no transport to or from the island on a Thursday.

The island has no pub, shop or post office. The Kirk was built in 1806 and is well worth a visit, with a very rare and unique Stained Glass Memorial Window, the only surviving example of work by the renowned artist Victor Noble Rainbird.