Description

A part set featuring two values – 1d (sandpiper) and 1s6d (black-headed gull) – from the Soay 1966 Europa issue. The full set includes four additional stamps, not included here, all featuring a ‘1966’ overprint on the previous year’s Europa issue.

U/M / Unmounted Mint / MNH / Mint Never Hinged.

About Soay

Located off the coast of Skye, in Scotland, the name Soay is derived from the Old Norse for "Sheep Island". 

Covering four square miles, this Soay - in the Inner Hebrides - is not to be confused with the much smaller island of the same name that is located within the St Kilda archipelago. 

Almost 50 different Soay stamps were produced between 1965 and 1967, almost all on a "Europa" theme. However, the stamps were reportedly issued without the permission of the island's owner, and seemingly served no postal function, though used examples bearing a Soay handstamp can be found.

They are therefore regarded as fantasy issues rather than genuine local stamps.