September 2018

1st September – We are in the new house at last! It was a glorious, sunny day here yesterday and the the removal guys arrived on time and quickly emptied Gray’s Noust. Well Park is only half a mile along the road but the views from here make it all worth while. This is looking from the front window on our first evening.

We’ve a lot of unpacking to do and we’ll be glad to see the back of the cardboard boxes. We just have to work out where everything goes.

8th September – This coming week is the annual Orkney Science Festival. Numerous events are held throughout the county covering a wide range of topics. This year Stromness Academy hosts an exhibition featuring the Moon. The focal point is this representation of the Moon which has been touring Europe.

Measuring seven metres in diameter the globe features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery.

11th September – A nice day here, if a bit blustery. Monty has settled in and is enjoying the views from his big window.

H helps out at the Stromness branch of the Red Cross. They held a “secret dinner” last night, in the Stromness Hotel, to celebrate thirty years voluntary service of Ella Duncan, third from left in this picture, a great achievement.

The Stromness Red Cross shop is run entirely by these local volunteers and, despite its size, is consistently one of the highest earners for the charity in the UK. One week, this August, it reached the number one spot in the UK. Well done all involved. H is second from right.

19th September – Storm Ali is battering southern and central Scotland, in a lull before it reached Orkney, a few minutes of sunshine produced this rainbow over the harbour.

22nd September – We’ve just been out for a stroll along the shore watching the wildlife.

Inner Holm is a small tidal island in the harbour with a bungalow on it, accessible only at low tide. It’s a popular spot for seals with around thirty there today. 

Spent some time watching this redshank catching little crabs in the pools along the beach.

26th September – Last visit to the Hamnavoe restaurant this evening before they close for the season. We didn’t get many chances to dine there this year, must make up for it next year.

Go to October 2018