It's been a busy season so far - I've hardly had time to draw breath since the start of May and today is my first day off in a very long time. Orkney seems as busy as ever despite the recession -plenty of folk about and lots of bookings in the hotels. Long may it continue! Ive been so busy I can't remember what I've been doing - I really should keep a diary but probably wouldn't have time to write it up.
Went out on a little boat trip with some folk last week off Westray and got to see lots of puffins sitting on the water & diving just near the boat which was great fun. We were in Westray primarily to see the Westray Wife (aka the Orkney Venus), who's back for a summer season in the Westray Heritage Centre. Also had a chance to go out to the dig at the Links of Noltland where they're back on the rescue excavations until September - still a huge amount to do out there & not enough money to do it with. Had coffee & cake in Edwin Rendall's gallery - I'm pleased to report that the carrot cake is still every bit as good as it was last year. One of the folk I was with had an urgent desire for fresh Westray crab so we'd been in Westray processors & bought a big packet, & Edwin was kind enough to lend them spoons to eat it with. There was some left so I put it in the van's coolbox & brought it home for my tea, since they were all going off for a 3 course dinner at the hotel.
It's the St. Magnus Festival this week so the place is swarming with musicians & performers, & we also have the travelling International Market back in town. Haven't had a chance to see it yet - last year they seemed to sell mainly food & it was pretty busy.
http://www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk
