Stromness Hotel

A grand old hotel, the sight of which cheered me up on a wet and very cold morning. 

It opened in 1902, and the first owners were John and Elsie Mackay from Durness. I read on the internet (which I know can't always be trusted...), that they began their careers as bootblacker and chambermaid in the Strathpeffer Hotel. An interesting story to be researched there.
Oh, and Gracie Fields sang from its balcony! I really hope that's true!

No singing in the streets of Stromness today - we all had our heads down and hoods pulled on, some over hats, trying to fend off the icy wind.