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Biography

My name is Andy Strangeway, a.k.a. Island Man. I was born in 1965, in a small Yorkshire Wolds village; all my forefathers were Wolds’ farm workers.

At the age of 19, I became a self-employed decorator and by the time I was 23, I had begun to travel independently, extensively all over the world.

In September 2003, I embarked upon my adventure to become the first person not only to land but also sleep on all of Scotland’s 162 islands that are 40 hectares and above, firmly believing that the islands would allow me to spend a night with each one of them. This I completed on 29th August 2007 when I left Soay, St. Kilda.

Because my name Strangeway originates from "strang was" meaning "a person who lives in a place prone to flooding by strong wash” upon completion Strangeway Bagging was established. A Strangeway being, "to sleep overnight on a Scottish island that is 40 hectares and above

Now my journey has progressed to Scotland’s smaller islands.

Some of the notable firsts that I have achieved are:-

1. 18 – 19 June 2007 – The first and only person to land, sleep and vacate Boreray, St. Kilda solo.
2. 28 - 29 August 2007 – The first and only person to land, sleep and vacate Soay, St. Kilda solo.
3. 28 August 2007 – The first and only person to land on all of Scotland’s 162 islands that are 40 hectares and above.
4. 29 August 2007 – The first and only person to sleep on all of Scotland’s 162 islands that are 40 hectares and above.
5. 17 February 2009 – The first and only person to sleep on Lamb, Firth of Forth.
6. 8 August 2009 – The first and only person to land the four extreme points of Scotland.

I shall always be indebted to my wife Ruth and to the islanders, especially those great boatmen who have collectively helped to shape me into what I am today, the Island Man.

I am an expert in nothing but my own experience.

Yet, beyond this great adventure, there is something far greater, something that I cannot see. I can only feel it and I do not know of what I talk. My time on the islands has brought out an awareness deep within me. I have no firm belief in a religion or God, but I still seek. I am aware that all these islands have a presence and, the more isolated the island is, the stronger this presence becomes. One day, I hope that I will find my belief and discover God. Until then, the nearest that I can come to this is to be alone on my islands and to feel the awe that surrounds me.

My search continues.

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