Introduction / The Island / Leaving the Island

Last Inhabitants

The remaining families left the island over a relatively short period, going to both the Orkney Mainland and other North Isles:

• John Leslie at Cott took his wife and family to Bigswell, Stenness. His daughter had been sent to school on Westray.

• Robert Seatter at Doggerboat took his wife and pre school age son to Elsness, Sanday.

• Robert Leslie was at that time unmarried and was the only person to hold an auction sale of stock and implements. He later married and lived in Shapinsay.

• Maggie Ann Gray, the widow of Balfour Rendall, at Windywa went with her five children remaining in Faray to Tankerness. Her youngest daughter had also been sent to school in Westray.

• James Seator at Holland took his wife and young daughter to Brendale, Rousay. They subsequently moved to Stenness. Their daughter was the last child born on Faray.

The Orcadian of 11th April 1947 carried an article headed “Evacuation of North Faray: Only One Family Left on Island”. This was:

• William (Willie) Wallace at the Ness who was particularly reluctant to leave, having stayed there for over sixty years. He had been staying with his son and daughter. Jock Harcus, who had come to Faray that day as a crewman on the Earl Siguard, helped persuade him. The Wallaces went to Stenness.