Island of Stroma, Abandoned island in Pentland Firth, Scotland
Island of Stroma is an abandoned island in the Pentland Firth off the coast of Caithness. It features steep cliffs around its perimeter and rises to 53 meters at its highest point on Cairn Hill.
Norse settlers lived here around 900 to 1000 years ago and left behind traces of their occupation. The island became part of Caithness in the 15th century and eventually lost its permanent population.
The Kennedy mausoleum, built in the 17th century, contained preserved bodies that attracted visitors until their destruction in the 18th century.
A lighthouse built in 1890 at Langaton Point still operates through automation to help ships navigate the strong currents. The island today has no visitor infrastructure and access is difficult without private boat arrangements.
A 17th century Kennedy family mausoleum once stood on the island with preserved bodies that were destroyed in later centuries. This burial site had drawn visitors from afar before its contents were lost.
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