May 2018

3rd May – A bit of excitement at the Museum today. We had a visit from a TV crew who are making a programme about Skara Brae. Fronted by Susan Calman, seen here talking to the production team.

It’s a bit of a blurry photo, surreptitiously taken with my phone, didn’t want to look like a fawning fan! The Museum has a number of artefacts from Skara Brae and the programme was focussing on Buddo, a 5000 year old “human” figurine, carved from whalebone. There are very few human figures from the Neolithic period, so Buddo is very rare. The programme aired in March 2019.

5th May – Hurray! Today’s BBC Scotland Weather report used my photo of the Loch of Stenness as their backdrop. Yes, I am Scapawatch! Man of mystery. It’s only the seventh photo I’ve submitted as a Weather Watcher and just spotted it on TV by chance. Feeling rather chuffed.

8th May – We enjoyed a nice stroll down to the marina this morning, in warm sunshine. Debated which sort of boat we’d buy if we won the Lottery.

Came home to discover we’d won four cinema tickets in the local newspaper’s weekly competition. Hurray! Not quite the Lottery but it’ll do for today.

We’ve been lucky in this competition, this is the third time we’ve won it.

10th May – We’ve just enjoyed an excellent NT Live production of Macbeth, at the Pickaquoy, with Rory Kinnear in the title role. Perhaps one decapitation too many!

13th May – Terrific sky over the town, heralding a beautiful day tomorrow.

14th May – The first cruise ship of the 2018 season arriving in Stromness. The “Corinthian” is a regular visitor, carrying about 90 passengers, it’s a welcome boost for some of the shops.

17th May – Norway Constitution Day. Orkney is twinned with the Norwegian county of Hordaland and every year a parade is held in Kirkwall to celebrate.

As part of the mutual friendship, a Christmas Tree is shipped, every year, over from Bergen and set up outside St Magnus Cathedral for all to enjoy. Kirkwall sends them a bar of Orkney fudge. (Only kidding!)

20th May – Today was the annual Orkney Nature Cruise. Hosted by Northlink Ferries, on the MV Hamnavoe, we enjoyed a three hour cruise around the islands trying to spot the local wildlife. The RSPB provided a team of rangers to offer advice and identify anything that’s spotted. NL Ferries provided a free buffet, using local food producers, including whisky and beer, generously donated by Scapa Distillery and the Orkney Brewery. Music by local folk band Skeldro. What’s not to like!!!

22nd May – Maritime disaster averted by quick thinking weather vane skipper!!

24th – 27th May – Orkney Folk Festival!!!

A fantastic week here with the Folk Festival in full swing. Over four days, 18 venues, 35 events, 49 acts with over 200 performers! H and I managed to get tickets for four of the concerts and saw 17 acts. Never done so much foot stompin’ and hand clappin’. They were all terrific but Le Vent du Nord and Imar were outstanding. Here are some of our pics.

Go to June 2018