The Pentland Firth

Stroma and Rough Water - watercolour - 25 x 36 cm

The Pentland Firth is the stretch of sea that separates the Orkney Islands from mainland Scotland. It is a treacherous channel, full of strong currents and tidal races. The islands are often shrouded in cloud, giving them an air of mystery. Most of them are fairly low-lying, but the island of Hoy has some mountains and dramatic sea cliffs, and the famous rock stack known as the Old Man of Hoy.

The island of Stroma, which is part of Caithness and lies just off the coast, had a thriving community at one time, but now it has been abandoned. It has a haunting quality, with the ruins of numerous cottages lining the skyline.

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/crnMN7NTHbA2