Past the Point o’ the Scurroes to Cross Kirk
On Westray, a recent building is one built in 1100 AD. There are plenty buried in the sand which are older than …
Lighthouse shadows
I had an enjoyable time flying a drone this summer. I only set it up a few times, as I had to …
Noltland Castle
I’ve wanted to take a decent photograph of Noltland Castle ever since I first saw it, as I struggled up the hill …
Scenes from the sea
It’s all about perspective. Looking at familiar scenes from a different place always makes you think more deeply about them. Similarly, seeing …
Noup in the mist
Noup Head lighthouse isn’t visible until we’re almost on top of it. There’s dew on the grass and on the purple flowers …
Triple lintel
Orkney is full of the evidence of master builders. Once stone is placed upon stone, then something is created which can last …
Sunset over Tafts
One of my favourite photographs from Orkney is Sunset over Tafts. It sums up the surprising drama of a landscape, which is …
Terns, Skuas and chimney clouds
I’m expecting to be attacked today. No, I’m not in an inner city, I’m on an island with a population of fewer …
Buoys Keep Swinging
Ever since I saw this latch and photographed it, I’ve been wondering. Why?
2018 highlights of walking the Westray Coast 50
In 2017 I had a wild idea; I was going to walk the entire coast of the Orkney island of Westray in …
Westray Coast 50 – Day Five
My adventures on the fifth of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Westray Coast 50 – Day Four and a Half
My adventures on the four-and-a-half-th of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Westray Coast 50 – Day Four
My adventures on the fourth of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Westray Coast 50 – Day Three
My adventures on the third of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Westray Coast 50 – Day Two
My adventures on the second of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
Westray Coast 50 – Day One
My adventures on the first of five days walking the entire coast of Westray.
The Lily Must Decay
Churchyards are always a sobering experience. I love looking at gravestones and the ones in the graveyard of the ruins of Lady …
Windows
I love the windows of the old buildings on Westray in Orkney. The stonework is wonderful, the walls are so deep and …
Rapness Mill, a Puffin, a rainbow and the sunset
The Mill at Rapness is falling down. I’d love to help save it. Red Campion grows around it: Red Champion And Sea …
Lugs, Skiffs and Yoles
I’m surrounded by lugs, skiffs and yoles. There are even bugs and centre-board allcomers. I’m at the Westray Regatta. I recognise what …
Tafts from the Bay of Tafts
The Bay of Tafts is nearly my nearest beach. I love it here. There’s a never-ending procession of moods as the weather and seasons change.
The ruins remain
On Westray the ruins of old buildings litter the farming landscape. Memories of the lives lived in joy and hardship linger around …
Collapsing roof
With the weight of flagstones on the roof timbers, a Westray roof needs love and attention to keep it keeping the rain …
Once the roof goes…
Once the roof goes, the walls are sure to follow.
‘When I see blood I will pass over you in the night’
Noltland Castle on Westray is 16th Century. Surrounding it are 17th Century additions, one of which has this fragile arch still remaining. …
The top 10 reasons you shouldn’t visit Westray
Friends and relatives often ask me whether Westray is a good place to visit and my answer is always very clear. “No,” I say. “I wouldn’t recommend it.” Here then are my top ten reasons why you should never visit Westray.
In Orkney, you pave your roof
I love the beautiful pattern and texture of this perfect flagstone roof on Westray. The chimney pot, however, may need a little …
Lighthouse in the rain
Noup Head lighthouse on Westray reflected in a puddle of rain.