The smell of fresh bread
“Would you like some eggs?” our Westray neighbour asks. She’s very kind. She’s a real life faerie princess (“The UK’s leading exponent …
“Would you like some eggs?” our Westray neighbour asks. She’s very kind. She’s a real life faerie princess (“The UK’s leading exponent …
… because it’s stone and breaks naturally into flags. The whole Island of Westray is made of it. Perfect flagstone paving everytime. …
When you move to an abandoned house there are always inhabitants who need to be evicted. Some are simply guests. Some are …
Fresh veg. With the dirt on. Straight out of the garden and onto the rack at Pierowall Fish. I’ll have some of …
In the disabled parking area of the 124th Orkney County Show at Bignold Park I spot a fairy ring. I’m always distracted …
The making of traditional furniture has nearly died out in mainland Britain. There are few master craftsmen, little knowledge of natural materials …
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.
Today was a full day on the Mainland of Orkney for the Orkney County Show. A trip on the ferry is always …
Evie’s sculpture of The Westray Foot from pebbles collected at The Bay of Swartmill.
Yesterday was the premier of my bicycle and me conquering Westray. I cycled the full length of the Island and it felt …
I’m a man and I love knitting. There, I feel better for unburdening myself already. Craftwork. Fine and designer knitting. Italian yarns. …
I’m sitting in a dilapidated school building. It’s on a remote Scottish Island called Westray which is an hour and a half …
I loved chemistry at school, despite how difficult I found it to remember. Part of that was, of course, the teacher I …
The first time I visited Westray I was on foot and I walked from the main village, Pierowall, to the ends of …
It’s easy to tell an incomer on Westray. They stick out like a sore thumb. I’m one of them, I should know. …
There are so many patterns on rocks here it’s dizzying. There are magnificent beds of wave patterns from fossilised freshwater beaches 380 …
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 …
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 strike ridiculous poses in Pierowall Bay. Apparently Common Seals have a characteristic ‘head-up, tail-up’ posture when they are hauled out. …
Despite the wind the Westray flag resolutely refuses to flutter in the breeze. The people of Westray didn’t choose it but they …
Dunlin are wary birds. As I walk along the Bay of Tafts they jerk in nervous motion and skit further along the …
Sunshine on the clouds over Rousay at the Bay of Tafts.
Morning. Another day on Westray and time to tip the woodlice out of my slippers, have some Scots porridge for breakfast and …
Idyllic weather in Orkney? T-shirt and shorts on the beach? It must be August and it must be a fluke, surely? Westray …
I learnt very early that if you want good photographs of your children there is only one solution – give them the …
Another day, another cycling trip to the shops. Having no fridge means buying fresh and Westray is full of fresh produce. This …
is not a question you want answered by a slow but persistent drip, drip, drip somewhere near your head at 04:38am. It’s …
On a remote island some things always stay the same, yet other things change quite quickly. For islanders, an island like [[Westray]] …