A stunning island that could easily compete with the likes of the Maldives has been left to rot for more than 70 years, after all of its residents abandoned their homes
With sugar-like sands, cobalt waters, and lush greenery, this tiny island feels like paradise – but one thing is missing.
From the outside, the island of Faray might look like something straight out of a postcard, but look closer and you’ll realise it’s been left to rot for more than 70 years. Situated off the northeastern coast of Scotland, in the Orkney archipelago, this tiny isle once had a flourishing community – boasting a population of 83 people back in 1871.
A metalled road ran the entire length of the island, meaning travelling across the land and visiting your neighbour was a breeze. Locals opted for this piece of infrastructure over building a jetty for receiving or sending goods – which meant if you arrived by boat you’d have to do a pretty big leap to reach the sand.
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Faray, pronounced Fair-ee, even had its own school – providing free education for children and teens. However, in 1946, the school closed – which ultimately led to its demise.
“[The school’s closure] made the island untenable for young families, particularly as no mention is made in any source of there being a regular visit from a doctor or midwife,” explains the Institute for Northern Studies. “Many inhabitants settled in Eday or Westray, and between 1972-2009 the island was rented by first one family from Westray, and then another from Eday in order to raise sheep.”
It is believed Faray attempted to advertise its empty properties to those living nearby, but the campaign flopped and no interest was shown. In 1947, the last family residing on the island left, citing ‘the lack of regular boat service enabling them to maintain regular contact with the outside world’. Ruins of dwelling houses and the former school still remain on the island – acting as an omen of what once was.
Faray, along with other uninhabited islands including Holm and Red Holm, are now Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation due to their important breeding sites for grey seals. This is what has made Faray a popular destination for divers and tourists alike – who may also spot otters seabirds if they’re lucky.
The island was bought by Orkney Islands Council back in 2019 for its ‘strategic development potential’. Proposals to build a huge wind farm consisting of six wind turbines were later approved by the Scottish Government in December 2022, despite concerns from environmentalists. It wipes out the chance for Faray to reestablish itself as a desirable community, but prevents the island from becoming completely forgotten.
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