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August 2010, Page 3

Orkney Chair

Form Follows Function

The making of traditional furniture has nearly died out in mainland Britain. There are few master craftsmen, little knowledge of natural materials …

Sign

Sign on the Westray Ferry

I love workplace signs. There’s something about working in close quarters with people that can really wind you up. The office kitchen …

Always shake the woodlice off your flannel before using it to wipe your face in the morning.

→ 15 August, 2010

Slippery

Decks may be slippery…

Today was a full day on the Mainland of Orkney for the Orkney County Show. A trip on the ferry is always …

Foot

The Westray Foot

Evie’s sculpture of The Westray Foot from pebbles collected at The Bay of Swartmill.

Hume Sweet Hume

Hume Sweet Hume

I’m a man and I love knitting. There, I feel better for unburdening myself already. Craftwork. Fine and designer knitting. Italian yarns. …

The Twa Corbies

I loved chemistry at school, despite how difficult I found it to remember. Part of that was, of course, the teacher I …

Boulders

Incomers on Westray

It’s easy to tell an incomer on Westray. They stick out like a sore thumb. I’m one of them, I should know. …

Grooves

Grooves and Scratches

There are so many patterns on rocks here it’s dizzying. There are magnificent beds of wave patterns from fossilised freshwater beaches 380 …

Making Hay

Making Hay

I’m so used to massive industrial barrel-shaped hay bales in Devon that it’s a pleasure to see some hay bales in old-fashioned …

Sails of Sangar

The Sails of Sangar

Evidence of Westray’s long-established drive to harness the energy of the wind is seen in this ancient sail-less windmill at Sangar (Old …

Seals

Common Seals on a Grey Day

Common seals strike ridiculous poses in Pierowall Bay. Apparently Common Seals have a characteristic ‘head-up, tail-up’ posture when they are hauled out. …

Westray Flag

Westray Flag

Despite the wind the Westray flag resolutely refuses to flutter in the breeze. The people of Westray didn’t choose it but they …

Dunlin

Dunlin on the Tide Line

Dunlin are wary birds. As I walk along the Bay of Tafts they jerk in nervous motion and skit further along the …

Death to Drosophila

Morning. Another day on Westray and time to tip the woodlice out of my slippers, have some Scots porridge for breakfast and …

Flatfish on Feet

Flatfish on Feet

Idyllic weather in Orkney? T-shirt and shorts on the beach? It must be August and it must be a fluke, surely? Westray …

Evie at the Bay of Tafts

Kids and Cameras

I learnt very early that if you want good photographs of your children there is only one solution – give them the …

Rubbish and a Clove Hitch

On a remote island some things always stay the same, yet other things change quite quickly. For islanders, an island like [[Westray]] …

Summer Rose

Summer Rose

Here’s one Summer Rose that’s lost a petal. In the bay at Pierowall is this wonderful vibrantly painted boat. I take a …

Monk, Tusk, Witches

Monk, Tusk, Witches. They are fish names to conjure with; a beautiful marine harvest which local fishermen have risked their lives to …

Rhubarb, Rhubarb

One of my favourite quotes is from the British scientist JBS Haldane. When asked by a theologian what could be inferred about …

Wind and Bottoms

It’s not possible to think about a break cycling in Orkney without discussing two subjects. The first is wind. Understanding the wind, …

Fitty Hill

Sun on the Sea

I’m standing at the top of our small field taking in the magnificent view. From here there’s a 360 degree view of …