Old photograph of landing the Mail by boat on Flotta, meaning Flat Island in Old Norse, a small island of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Until 1914, Flotta was a quiet farming community. In 1910, the population of 431 included two blacksmiths, four carpenters and three dressmakers. During the First World War, the island was home to a naval base. 1918 saw the mass exodus of Navy personnel, and 1939 saw their return. After the Second World War the island had good piers and facilities, but a slowly declining population. It took until 1970 for fresh water to be piped to the island from Hoy. The Orkney Island Council now provides employment to several people on Flotta. Farming remains an important source of revenue for the island economy, along with handicraft. The island is now served by Orkney Ferries with ferry links to Houton on the Orkney Mainland, and Lyness and Longhope on Hoy. King George V visited the island in 1915.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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