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The Westray Storm Witch

The story of a storm raising witch is based upon historical fact and island myth. Janet Forsyth lived in Westray in the 17th century. In 1627, Janet dreamed that she saw her fisherman sweetheart, Benjamin Garrioch, perish at sea. The following day, Garrioch, and his colleagues set sail on their fishing expedition not heeding the [...]

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Winter in Orkney

The British Isles is currently in the grip of one of the coldest winters for many years and whilst it is creating travel chaos, the scenery is simply stunning. The Orkney Isles can have warmer winters than on the mainland but 2009/2010 must be an exception. For all Orcadians reading this article, your ex-natives would [...]

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Orkney Ba’ Game

This Kirkwall Ba’ Game is the traditional mass ball game also known as the Uppies and Doonies, played in the town’s streets on Christmas Day and new Year’s day, starting at 1300 GMT. The Uppies attempt to get a leather ball to a wall at the top of Kirkwall town whilst the Doonies do everything [...]