St Anne’s Kirk, Papa Westray, from the air
I’ve got three cameras with me, sitting in the back of a four seater aircraft flying over the islands of Orkney. I’m told by our pilot Tommy that I should undo my seatbelt so I can take photographs out of both windows. I, ever so politely, ignore his invitation and sit resolutely belted up in the back. I’m just able to lean over and stretch an arm to capture St Anne’s Kirk on Papa Westray and get a shot of the Community Co-op and Hostel. I love the Co-op; it has everything you need when you want fabulous bread, cheese and a decent bottle of wine.
When I first arrived on Westray I was told that Papay had severe community problems, that only having 64 people meant the whole population could fit on a double-decker bus, and that there were so many religions on the island that they all needed a church each. I now think, having visited Papay, that this might have been an exaggeration, apart from the double-decker bus bit.
Papay is a place I want to go back to. Next time, I’d love to take my bicycle so I can see more of this beautiful island.
More Aerial Photography
Lighthouse shadows I had an enjoyable time flying a drone this summer. I only set it up a few times, as I… read more
Noltland Castle I've wanted to take a decent photograph of Noltland Castle ever since I first saw it, as I struggled up… read more
Fields like corduroy I love the hay and silage fields on Westray. From above they look just like corduroy, with their parallel cords… read more
Grobust Grobust is one of my favourite beaches on Westray. Can you see the bodyboarders with their bright boards? I love… read more
Silage and Hay I've enjoyed seeing the meadows being cut on Westray this summer and then being baled and wrapped. The skill of… read more
A flying visit Our friend is coming out to Westray for a visit today. He's flying his light aircraft over from the Orkney… read more