Maiden Stack facts for kids

The Maiden Stack or Frau Stack is a tiny stack in the western Shetland Islands to the north of Brei Holm and east of Housa Voe in Papa Stour.

It is so called because of the tiny house at its top. It is said to have been built in the 14th century by Lord Þorvald Þoresson, in order to "preserve" his daughter from men. Unfortunately, when she left, she was found to be pregnant.

There are various versions of the story. Another runs as follows: the house was built by a Norwegian Lady, to preserve herself from the solicitations of suitors. The ascent to the house was considered almost unsurmountable, except by the help of ropes. But a dauntless lover from Islesburgh managed to get to the house safely. When the Lady got pregnant, she left the house which was soon afterwards unroofed and reduced to ruin.

In a third version of the story, the lady was incarcerated by her father because of her interest in a common fisherman. Eventually she and her sweetheart successfully eloped.