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Orkney Mainland, Page 8

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 …

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. …

Rhubarb, Rhubarb

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

Ten Percent

Today is an important day in Orkney. It’s a Thursday so it’s the publication day of The Orcadian and Orkney Today newspapers. …

Mallimack

Mallimack

A Fulmar glides past like a flying boat over the Knowe o’ Skea on Westray.

Knap of Howar

A day trip to Papa Westray and a walk to the Knap of Howar. Domestic houses in the United Kingdom which are …

The Answer My Friend

“How many years can a mountain exist, Before it’s washed to the sea?” by Bob Dylan from Blowin’ in the Wind. It takes three of …

The Key

The Key

Westray. An island both friendly and wild. I’m here to see a house I’d like to buy. Based upon a few small …

Highland Park's Good But...

Highland Park’s Good But…

Working in Orkney for a week, the conversation turns to whisky. My colleague tells me I should visit the Highland Park distillery. …

PDC - the Peedie Sea - photograph (c) 2007 David Bailey (not the)

PDC

I’m in Orkney working for a week. “Did you walk past the PDC?” My questioner is earnest. She is really interested in …

In Search of Red MacGregor

In Search of Red MacGregor

It appears that there are no pubs in Kirkwall, only hotels with restaurants and bars. It is the morning, and I’m getting …

First Impressions - St Magnus Cathedral - photograph (c) 2007 David Bailey (not the)

First Impressions

“First impressions often lie, Often fool the naked eye.” from First Impressions written by John Watts, performed by Fischer-Z I’m standing in a …

Arriving in Orkney - photograph (c) 2007 David Bailey (not the)

Arriving in Orkney

“Orkney.” “Pardon”, I said. “We’ve got a customer in Orkney who’d like you to do some work for them.” Orkney. I’d heard …

Oozy Coils of rope on the harbour in Kirkwall - photograph (c) 2007 David Bailey (not the)

Oozy Coils

Coils of rope on the quayside in Kirkwall as I look at the ferries leaving for the Northern Isles.