According to the Orkneyinga Saga, detailing the lives of the Earls of Orkney from the 9th to 12th Centuries, King Harald’s sons were real troublemakers. Gudron Gleam and Halfdan Long-Leg caused lots of trouble in Norway and then killed Earl Rögnvald of Møre, the father of Einar, Earl of Orkney. Einar lived between the 890s [...]
Aug 262010
The ferry from Westray to Orkney takes over an hour to make the journey to the Mainland of Orkney. It’s easy for the visitor to get confused about places when talking to locals. ‘The Village’ means Pierowall. ‘The Island’ means Westray. ‘The Mainland’ doesn’t mean mainland Britain at all but the mainland of Orkney. Everywhere [...]
Aug 242010
It’s sunny this afternoon, so it’s out into the garden to catch a rare photograph of the back of Einar in the sunshine. When I first had the idea of spending time in Orkney one of the best and most honest sites I found was Moving to Orkney. It’s maintained by someone who moved to [...]
Whenever you look at property details in Orkney there’s one phrase that keeps on being repeated. Yes, the word ‘ruinous’ is used repeatedly. Sure, the phrase ‘in need of updating’ comes across loud and clear. However, it’s the phrase ‘a useful range of outbuildings’ which always draws my attention. It seems that even the smallest [...]
“Would you like some eggs?” our Westray neighbour asks. She’s very kind. She’s a real life faerie princess (“The UK’s leading exponent on Faeries”) and lectures on faeriecraft. How could I resist a gift so generously given? Later 18 eggs appear, beautifully dirty and odd sizes just like fresh eggs should be – as fresh [...]
Aug 152010
In the disabled parking area of the 124th Orkney County Show at Bignold Park I spot a fairy ring. I’m always distracted by fairy rings. I remember a trip to Edinburgh being especially interesting because of the wonderful views from high up on Arthur’s Seat – not because of the panoramic views of this stunning [...]
Aug 152010
The making of traditional furniture has nearly died out in mainland Britain. There are few master craftsmen, little knowledge of natural materials and even fewer people with the knowledge or money to appreciate the joy a properly made piece of furniture can bring for generations. Orkney, however, is different. Here there is still a tradition [...]
Aug 152010
I love workplace signs. There’s something about working in close quarters with people that can really wind you up. The office kitchen with the rabid messages about wiping up milk spills. The workplace canteen with the strident “These tables are self-clearing” messages (“I’d better leave my tray here then as it says that the tables [...]
Aug 142010
Ponies and riders line up for the judging at the Orkney County Show.
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