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 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
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 …
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 …
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
Despite the wind the Westray flag resolutely refuses to flutter in the breeze. The people of Westray didn’t choose it but they …
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 …
The Bay of Tafts
Sunshine on the clouds over Rousay at the Bay of Tafts.
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
Idyllic weather in Orkney? T-shirt and shorts on the beach? It must be August and it must be a fluke, surely? Westray …
Kids and Cameras
I learnt very early that if you want good photographs of your children there is only one solution – give them the …
Stoneware Goblets, Punctures, Oatcakes and Missed Otters
Another day, another cycling trip to the shops. Having no fridge means buying fresh and Westray is full of fresh produce. This …
What’s the weather like inside today?…
is not a question you want answered by a slow but persistent drip, drip, drip somewhere near your head at 04:38am. It’s …
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
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 …
A History of the Earls of Orkney
When travelling to Orkney I always try to bring a copy of The Orkneyinga Saga with me. Westray is so full of …
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, …
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 …
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. …
Afternoon turns to Evening
Afternoon turns to evening as the world turns. I’m in the field at the back of Einar with a phone which has …
Provisions
It’s the first day of our stay and I go to the cupboard and the cupboard is bare. Not even a jar …
Nibble
When you arrive at a house that has been closed up for a long time there’s an important routine to go through. …
The Ferry
Orkney Ferries run a service to be proud of. Whether it’s a small group of tourists or a farmer with his tractor …
Dog Whelk
A Dog Whelk perches on a barnacle-encrusted rock, waiting for the moon to pull the sea back over it like a foamy …
Vegetables at Noltland
The kitchen garden at Noltland is green and fertile as dawn breaks over the ruin.
Beauty Parade
A character face, I’d say, rather than a beautiful or handsome one.
Cattle Panorama
A landscape full of beautiful inquisitive cattle. Wandering along the beach at Aikerness.
Krummi
Krummi the Icelandic wonder-pony searches out another Polo mint.