February 2023

4th February – We’ve had a wild start to February, several days of gales and heavy rain, so it was good to get a clear day and be able to go to Kirkwall to help staff the Yes Orkney stall.

Here, local writer and journalist, Fiona Grahame, is recording a piece on the importance of EU membership for the farmers and fisherfolk of Orkney.

Fiona researched and wrote the narrative on the Orcadian Women’s Suffrage Society used for the award winning animation, “A Gude Cause Maks a Strong Erm”, which can be seen in the Local Heroes section.

7th February – This is a video made up of drone footage by local photographer, Graham Campbell. I’ve been whale spotting with Graham, he normally gets some good shots but not with me in tow!

https://www.facebook.com/100006279699795/videos/472581471755074

Drones can be extremely irritating, their buzzing can spoil a nice peaceful day but the video shows what can be achieved with them.

I try to avoid using too much material from other sources but thought this was worth sharing.

14th February – It just takes a couple of sunny days and the crowds hit the beaches.

This is Scapa beach with the whitewashed buildings of the Scapa distillery in the distance.

18th February – In the lull between Storm Otto and the next storm, H captured this flurry of activity, ships, boats, planes and camper vans. A lovely day but bracing ourselves for Sunday.

19th February – Local photographer, Graham Campbell, climbed Ward Hill on Hoy a few days ago, with his drone, and took this shot looking north over Graemsay towards Stromness. We are in the little horseshoe shaped bay at upper left. From here, its clear why the Vikings called it Hamnavoe – Haven Bay, tucked away and sheltered from the Atlantic.

At 479 metres, this is the highest point in Orkney. The photo shows the arctic conditions at this altitude and Graham managed to get some shots of wildlife that is unusual in Orkney, such as this mountain hare and a ptarmigan.

24th February – A grey start to the day. Streaks of weak sunlight try to penetrate a leaden sky. Across the slate-grey sea Hoy High lighthouse stands on a headland. In the foreground, the Point of Ness beacon stands guard at the entrance to Stromness harbour.

28th February – My first Harbour Porpoise sighting of 2023 at Ness Point. Hopefully we will have a few more sightings through the year and not just these wee guys.