A picture may be worth a thousand words…
…but reality is worth a thousand pictures.
Coming home to Westray
Crossing the sea from Orkney Mainland to Westray feels like coming home.
Being away from Orkney and Westray only makes the memories of being there more intense. Whilst I look forward to my next trip there, here’s a poem I wrote many years ago – the lines “And … → 6 November, 2010
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 … → 30 August, 2010
Einar. It’s a great name. It’s an Old Norse name for ‘One Warrior’. It’s a fantastic name for our house. As soon as I saw Einar advertised in the Solicitor’s window I was fascinated by the … → 29 August, 2010
Stripes and checks
The Cathedral of St Magnus in Kirkwall, Orkney uses red sandstone quarried near Kirkwall and yellow sandstone from the island of Eday …
The first glimpse of Kirkwall
The ferry from Westray to Orkney takes over an hour to make the journey to the Mainland of Orkney. It’s easy for …
Moving to Orkney
It’s sunny this afternoon, so it’s out into the garden to catch a rare photograph of the back of Einar in the …
A useful range of outbuildings
Whenever you look at property details in Orkney there’s one phrase that keeps on being repeated. Yes, the word ‘ruinous’ is used …
Fungus Fairy Rings
In the disabled parking area of the 124th Orkney County Show at Bignold Park I spot a fairy ring. I’m always distracted …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Tammie Norries at the Castle o’ Burrian
We’re up at dawn to see the Tammie Norries (Puffins), a short walk from our house, at the Castle o’ Burrian on …
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
Westray. An island both friendly and wild. I’m here to see a house I’d like to buy. Based upon a few small …
When the Wind is in the West
The last five days have changed my life. I was offered four days work in Orkney and stayed an extra day at …
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
I’m in Orkney working for a week. “Did you walk past the PDC?” My questioner is earnest. She is really interested in …
Finding More Than Red MacGregor
Red MacGregor. It’s a name to conjure with. An elusive beer, rumoured to exist in the keg. Tonight I aimed to find a …
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
“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
“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
Coils of rope on the quayside in Kirkwall as I look at the ferries leaving for the Northern Isles.