10th March – The tenth already and this is our first post of the month. The weather at the start of the month was poor so we didn’t go out much. Thankfully the last few days have been more springlike.
Down at the Pierhead, our little local ferry has just returned from it’s annual service and is back in it’s rightful position, hogging the middle of the harbour.
The Graemsay covers the short route from Stromness to north Hoy via Graemsay. A pleasant little excursion if it’s a nice day.
15th March – It looks like it will be a quiet season in Orkney due to you know what. Cruise operator, CMV, have announced that they are suspending operations for six weeks. Their ship, Magellan, was en route to Kirkwall from Shetland on Friday but was diverted back to its home port.
As yet, we’re not sure how other tour operators are going to respond. Time will tell.
17th March – Covid-19 starting to impact Orkney now. The 2020 Folk Festival has now been cancelled and the St Magnus Festival is also under review.
These festivals bring thousands of visitors to the islands and their loss will seriously impact the tourism and hospitality sectors. As I write this Radio Orkney is listing all the social, craft and children’s groups that are suspended.
Historic Environment Scotland has closed all it’s manned sites, i.e. Skara Brae and Maeshowe. No decision has been made regarding Stromness Museum but a lack of visitors and/or closure will be disastrous for our finances.
I’m told that, in Germany, people are stockpiling sausages and cheese. It’s the Wurst Käse scenario!
Boom Boom!
20th March – The Board of Trustees met last night and it has been decided that Stromness Museum will close until further notice. A great shame as we were about to launch our summer exhibition, which the team had put in a lot of work to put together.
And we had only unveiled the new Buddo display case on Monday.
As everybody is now self-isolating and social distancing we decided to do our bit and socially distance ourselves out to Warebeth to do some bruck bagging. Spending an hour or so picking up plastic waste and getting it out of the environment. Very satisfying.
26th March – In lockdown now. Just the occasional visit to the Co-op for essentials like ice cream and crisps. Orcadians are on message with self isolation:
30th March – It’s official. Orkney now has a case of Covid-19. We don’t know where exactly but rumours are that it’s on Stronsay.
H and I have been pretty good in self isolating and only going out for basic grocery shopping at the local Co-op and a daily walk around the shore. There’s not many people about but they seem to be keeping their distance when passing.
Luckily the weather has become more springlike and it’s a pleasure to get out for a walk in a bit of warm sunshine.
Keep safe and healthy everybody.
Scapa Views 