Island's History Page

The history of Papa Stour goes back 5000 years with evidence from the Bronze Age through to present day. The island gets its name from the monks that landed here and established a Christian community 1500 years ago.

Papa Stour was at its most important in the Norse period when sea travel was the premier form of transport. Papa Stour offered sea travelers a safe and secure place to anchor ship and an easily defended stronghold.

At its height Papa Stour had a population of over 300, now there are just 21 residents and 8 croft's.

Papa Stour is a place of outstanding natural beauty and history and has a timeless feel to it. The history of the island both natural and manmade is evident throughout the island from its famous sea caves to the ruins that litter the whole island.

For more information see the Papa Stour History Groups web site by clicking HERE or via the link in our Links section of this site.