North Ronaldsay and ‘the invention that saved a million ships’
It’s my only chance this year to go to North Ronaldsay from Westray. There’s an inter-island excursion, with a ferry which goes …
Island life and using your loaf
I’m on North Ronaldsay for the day. My aim is to cycle and see some wildlife but I’m distracted. There’s a choice …
A voice as soothing as North Ronaldsay sheep’s wool
I’ve been to North Ronaldsay before. It’s an Orkney island which is further north than the south of Norway. Today is one …
Arctic Terns on North Ronaldsay
If you’re on Westray in Orkney you have a once a year chance to get a ferry direct to the neighbouring island, …
The Ringed Plover and the broken wing act
There’s a Ringed Plover on the shoreline of North Ronaldsay, one of the most northerly islands of Orkney: I creep closer to …
Sea Pies
Oystercatchers are known as Skeldro, Chaldro, or Shaalder in Orkney. If you think those names are difficult, internationally they are known as …
Special Sunday Excursion to a living island
I’ve been in and around Orkney for ten years and never been to some of the outer islands. Being in Westray means …
Celebrating Einar at St Magnus Cathedral
Einar, or Torf-Einar as he is sometimes known, is celebrated in this wonderful stained glass window at St Magnus Cathedral.
Scaffolding follows me wherever I go
Scaffolding follows me wherever I go. I spent months with scaffolding on both the front and the back of my house. Every …
North Ronaldsay
The island of North Ronaldsay is famous for its sheep who live on seaweed and are kept off the fields by dry …
A Light in the Black
November in Orkney and the days are short and the nights are long. I’m told that the reason many people love to visit Orkney is the reason few can stay there: the loneliness.