My grandmothers family are from the Orkney Islands. If you haven’t been – go!! There is something magical about Orkney and its not just because I am an archaeology geek – there is something in the air.
Orkney is one of my most favourite places and I have been writing about it, in particular about the island of Hoy.
Lately I have been writing about Hoy, its landscape and the feeling I have when I am there, these things are being woven into my writing. So far the island, acts as the backdrop for a few pieces I have written and I have several more stories planned which are set there.
I exaggerate aspects of Hoy in these stories, but it is the inspiration. And the nature and geography of the island has definitely helped shaped these stories.
And I mean look at it? How could such a place not inspire? Rackwick Bay is dramatic, there is a stark contrast between the soaring red sandstone cliffs, the soft green grass, the pristine beach ringed with beautiful coloured stones, the endless sky and the ocean.
There is an otherworldly nature to Rackwick Bay, it seems a place apart from time.
For me there is a sense of connection, a link to my family. My grandmother used to come to Rackwick Bay to camp, my mother did and now I do when I can. The layering of my families history feels heavy in Orkney, but for some reason here in Rackwick Bay the layers feel a little thinner, like I could reach out and touch the past.
Landscapes naturally inspire the art world, touching painters, poets, writers, comedians and dancers. I love when I read a book which has a deep sense of connection to the place where the story is set.
On our last trip to the island, in 2022 my sister and I spent a couple of nights camping in Rackwick Bay. The Bothy was pretty quiet, other than ourselves the only other campers were two women, both travelling alone. We went our separate ways during the day, but at night we gathered by the fire, shared wine, food and we talked and talked and talked. It was special to be able to share that time with those women, to hear their stories, to get to know a small part of who they were and what brought them to the island.
For me after the isolation of covid, the loss of my mother and several hard years this was a truly magical experience – just being able to connect to others and share. I think I healed more in those couple of days than I can explain.
So yes it was probably inevitable that I would begin writing about Hoy and the women we met that weekend will be featuring in a story that I have planned. Though I suspect they may not recognise themselves if they were to come across the story!
This morning I felt a sense of urgency, a need to return to Orkney, it’s been two years, which feels far too long. The best I can do for now however is write about the islands and look at photos I have taken on trips there over the years.
And one last photo … because Rackwick Bay really is stunning.
Ok I lied .. here’s another
A Year of Time 