Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands

Paul Murton explores the Outer Orkney archipelago, visiting its most northerly island, North Ronaldsay, and travelling across the rugged coastline to document each locale. He also stops at Papa Stronsay, home to an order of monks, and the deserted island of Stroma.

Keeping It All Together is a television programme presented as an episode in a larger series. The show follows a single presenter as he travels through distinct locations, offering viewers a glimpse of each place’s particular character. Its format centres on on‑location reporting, with the host guiding the audience through the scenery and local life. In this instalment, presenter Paul Murton sets off on a tour of the Outer Orkney islands. His itinerary begins with the archipelago’s most northerly point, North Ronaldsay, before moving on to Papa Stronsay, an island that is home to a small order of monks. The journey concludes with a visit to Stroma, an island that currently has no permanent residents. The episode’s structure allows Murton to contrast the differing circumstances of the three islands. He observes the remote position of North Ronaldsay, then spends time among the monastic community on Papa Stronsay, noting how the presence of the monks shapes daily life there. Finally, he turns his attention to Stroma, highlighting the stark absence of inhabitants and the quiet that defines the island. By linking these three locations, the programme presents a concise portrait of Outer Orkney’s varied human footprint. The contrast between a populated monastic settlement and an uninhabited island underscores the range of experiences available within a relatively compact geographic area, offering viewers a focused look at life on the edge of the Scottish isles.