GRAEMSAY HISTORY

The 1841 Census of Graemsay lists 208 inhabitants of the island, distributed around 36 farms and crofts.

In the 19^th Century the herring industry was on the increase and  in 1851 the two light houses, Hoy High and Hoy Low were built as safeguards for the fishermen. The engineer was Alan Stevenson, father of Robert Louis Stevenson, and in the 1880’s both had their photograph taken in the courtyard of Hoy Low. Both lighthouses are now automated.

1866 saw the wreck of The Albion which was on its way from Liverpool to America carrying emigrants and a cargo of pottery.  Fragments of the pottery can still be found at the Point of Oxan beach.  Joseph Mowat lost his life trying to rescue survivors, and he is buried in Graemsay Kirkyard.

A grave containing a large male skeleton over 1000 years old was exposed by coastal erosion near Sandside.  Due to the position of the grave it has been suggested it was a sailor who lost his life at sea.  Site found by Gertie Seatter.