October 2019

3rd October – It’s definitely autumn now, a lot cooler and getting windier, but the roses are lasting well and enjoying some late sunshine.

The farmers have stockpiled their silage bales for the winter and can’t resist having a bit of fun at the end of a busy time for them.

These creations show that some of them have just too much time on their hands! (Actually they’re raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support).

4th October – A lovely day, so we thought we’d go for a walk around the stone circles. It’s great to get to see them without coach loads of summer visitors. The local wildlife get a chance to relax too.

12th October – A grey, drizzly day today. So time for a stark arty pic.

15th October – Popped over to Kirkwall for some errands. When there we can’t help visiting the Cathedral and its impressive architecture. This is one of the side doors, they don’t make hinges like this anymore!

Spotted the new MV Alfred in the harbour. This is the new ferry built for Pentland Ferries for the Gill’s Bay to St Margaret’s Hope run. It has just arrived after a long journey from the builder’s shipyard in Vietnam. A pity it couldn’t have been sourced more locally.

17th October – We went to see the National Theatre broadcast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from London’s Bridge Theatre. Performed in the round, it was rather like the Bard meets Cirque du Soleil, with trapeze artistes, flying beds and music. Not AMND as we know it but still very entertaining.

22nd October – H went to see Matthew Bourne’s brilliant new ballet, Romeo + Juliet, filmed this summer at Sadler’s Wells. She really enjoyed the performance and thoroughly recommends seeing this production.

26th October – Tonight there is a torchlit parade through the town, led by the South Mainland Jarl Squad from Shetland. It culminates in a traditional boat burning ceremony down here at the South End. We should get a great view from the house.