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.