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 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.
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 …
The Westray Foot
Evie’s sculpture of The Westray Foot from pebbles collected at The Bay of Swartmill.
Clootie Dumpling at the Haff Yok Cafe
Yesterday was the premier of my bicycle and me conquering Westray. I cycled the full length of the Island and it felt …
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. …
“Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight” – the Guardian
I’m sitting in a dilapidated school building. It’s on a remote Scottish Island called Westray which is an hour and a half …
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 …
Chaps in Caps and the Westray Wave
The first time I visited Westray I was on foot and I walked from the main village, Pierowall, to the ends of …
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 …