What better way to enjoy the journey over the Churchill Barriers in Orkney, than by motorbike.

The Churchill Barriers were constructed by Italian POW’s during World War II and now form an important road link between the southern Orkney islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray and Lamb Holm.

This video was taken using a GoPro HD camera attached to the helmet of a motorcycle rider on his Yamaha FJR1300.

His journey starts at Barrier number 4 which links the island of South Ronaldsay to the island of Burray.

To the right are clearly visible, the remains of one of the most complete and oldest sunken block ships, The Reginald.  Built in 1878 and sunk in Weddel Sound in 1915, the 930 ton 3 masted motor schooner is today used to store lobster creels.

From the Island of Burray, the short second barrier links to the small island of Glimps Holm and continues on to the second barrier to Lamb Holm where the stunning Italian Chapel built by the prisoners of war can be found.

The journey continues onto the first barrier which links to the southern part of the western mainland.

Turning left through St Mary’s the A961 follows the coastline of Scapa Flow toward Kirwall.Similar Posts:

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A PhD history candidate at York University is looking for anyone who can share their Orkney gardening experience to shed light on the Hudson Bay Company fur trader’s gardens.

Tankerness House Gardens

She is  writing her thesis on the fur traders’s gardens featuring the Hudson’s Bay Company from 1670 – 1770.

This means exploring how the early Orkneymen who arrived on Hudson’s Bay were expected to plant gardens and cultivate vegetables in a land where gardening had never been attempted.

She would love to hear from anyone in the Orkney Islands who can share the Orkney garden experience  (today and/or 1670 – 1770).

Are you an Orkney Gardener?

What are the challenges and or benefits of growing food in the islands?

Did your ancestors work for the Hudson Bay Company?

How do Orcadian’s view gardening?

What grows well and what do you struggle to grow?

If you feel you can help in any way, please contact us using the comments section at the end of this article.

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A recent article by Peder Gammeltoft of Medievalists.net, points to the importance of Orkney & Shetland island names.

The islands of Orkney and Shetland consist of islands, skerries and holms which have long been an attraction to ancient travellers.

Scandinavian researchers have claimed that the names of these islands, by virtue of constant usage and relevance over time, belong among the oldest layers of names.

Much archaeological evidence on the islands bears witness to an occupation spanning thousands of years, with signs of human habitation dating further back than linguistic knowledge of the islands.

Island names should be able to provide an insight into the lives, strategies and needs of the people who eked out an existence in bygone days in Shetland and Orkney.

Read the article and PDF of the original from the University of Aberdeen.

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In a the annual Bank of Scotland study, Orkney is rated amongst the top 10 best places to live.

Among the criteria are; life expectancy, performance of schools, employment and climate. The Orkney and Shetland islands ranked amongst the best places for quality of life.

Low population densities offer high employment rates, crime is low and in the schools, small class sizes and good secondary school exam results give the education system a thumbs up.

The other areas in the top 10 were East Renfrewshire, Moray, Midlothian, Aberdeen and the Borders.

Full article – BBC Scotland

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The imposing neolithic standing stones of Stenness in Orkney are thought to have been erected between 3000 and 2500 BC.

Twelve standing stones originally formed the stone circle at Stenness but only four remain today, the tallest of which is over 5.5 metres high.

Henge

The Stenness stone circle in Orkney’s west mainland was surrounded by a ditch 6 m wide and 2.3m deep and outside of this, a similar bank. Archaeologists refer to this type of structure as a “henge“.

The ditches and banks have been eroded by ploughing activity and are no longer visible.

During excavations, features discovered in the centre of the ring suggested that a wooden post was situated centrally, later followed by a 2m square setting of stone slabs with 2 larger stones set to the north.

Standing stones Stenness rebuilt

The three large slab structure to the north, has been rebuilt twice over the years and is comparable to structures in other great stone circles.  All of the features lie on a line due north from the centre.

In 1906AD, a fallen stone was re-erected taking only 8 men and a timber framework ramp, leading to calculations that it took over 5000 man days to build Stenness, with most of this time spent digging the ditches and building the bank.  50 men could have built the henge over a single summer or 10 – 20 men over a few seasons.

Archaeologists discovered “grooved ware” pottery, bones of animals and one human finger along with evidence of a fire in the small central setting.  Signs of much later iron age activity was also noted, showing that the henge stayed in use for many years following it’s build.

Further information

Orkneyjar – The heritage of the Orkney islands; Standing Stones o’ Stenness article

Stonehenge – Probably the best known prehistoric stone circle.

Stone Circles .org – List of British Prehistoric sites and stone circles.Similar Posts:

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Over four years of research have led to the definitive book detailing the true story behind the little Italian chapel, built in Orkney during World War II.

Goes on sale in the UK on 10th June 2010

The Italian chapel created on the island of Lambholm in Orkney was constructed by Italian prisoners of war, from two World War II Nissen huts, exceptional artistic talents and a need for some measure of peace.

During World War II, Italians taken prisoner in Africa were shipped to the seemingly inhospitable Orkney islands to assist with the building of the Chuchill Barrier defences.

This new book; Orkney’s Italian Chapel: The True Story of An Icon, written by Philip Paris, charts the trials and tribulations faced by these men and how their passion driven skills transformed this small southern Orkney Island.

Like Philip and his then new wife Catherine, we too were left speechless at the awe inspiring artistry and skill, wondering about the lives of the men who created from the heart, something so breathtakingly beautiful in a time of such darkness and despair.

Philip went on to find out more and for over four years tracked down the former POWs of camp 60, their relatives and people of the islands, to give a deeper insight into the lives of the prisoners and how their presence affected Orcadian lives.

The book starts with a detailed history of why the Italian prisoners ended up in Orkney, how enemies became friends, their uncertainty and fears for themselves and for loved ones back in Italy.

As the book unfolds, it brings some understanding of the minds of the craftsmen, only serving to make the chapel that they created, even more poignant.

Many previously unseen images and stories from the prisoners’ descendants are included in the book, which help to bring the chapel to life and show what it meant to the men who built it.

Forbidden Love

One of the small details I noticed when walking through the stunning rood screen, was a small metal heart inlaid in the floor under the gates.  I thought that this was merely a craftsman’s flourish but Philip’s book reveals a true war torn love story.

For anybody interested in this wonderful Italian chapel or indeed the lives of those during the Second World War, this book is an absolute must read. Well researched and presented, Philip has brought us closer to the men of Camp 60, who’s inspiring stories, led to one of the greatest icons of peace and hope, ever to come out of the Second World War.

About the author

Philip Paris was brought up in Gateshead. He entered the printing industry on leaving school before moving to Royal Tunbridge Wells in 1983 to take up a job as a reporter for Printing World magazine. He worked in various trade press journalist/editor rolls until he joined a PR company in Esher that specialises in graphic arts. Still with them, but now living in the Highlands, he writes about his passion with the Italian chapel on Lambholm.

Orkney’s Italian Chapel; The true story of an icon, is published by Black & White Publishing and will be launched at a book-signing event at Waterstones bookstore in the Eastgate Centre, Inverness, at 7pm on Thursday, 10th June 2010.

Mr Paris will give a talk at Nairn Book Festival earlier the same day. There is no charge for entry to the book signing.

ISBN: 978184502292-1

More information

Spirit of Orkney – Article on the Italian Chapel of Lambholm.

Philip Paris – Other books written by this author and his biography.

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Agriculture is one of the mainstays of the Orkney Islands and Orkney beef is renowned for it’s tenderness and full flavour.

Grazing on a summer evening

Cattle in this region need to be quite robust as Orkney summers are short, with temperatures often peaking around 18 or 19 degrees and from October, light is lost from around 3.00pm with sunrise at about 8.30am.  Strong winds and driving rain are a feature of the fairly mild winters.

The Aberdeen Angus breed lends itself well to this region, maturing quickly to give a good proportion of fat to lean, with very little bone.

Although you will come across a quantity of pure Aberdeen Angus beef, the breed itself is quite small in stature and herds are often cross bred with Belgain Blue, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental and  Beef Shorthorn in order to obtain a larger animal.

The Orkney Islands are also free from BSE and Foot and Mouth disease and the farmers pride themselves in the welfare of their cattle.  The agricultural shows are a focus for the islands farming communities, culminating in the prestigious County Show which is held in Kirkwall during August.

Orkney beef cattle will be turned out to graze from May to October, then brought in for the winter, where they are fed on home produced silage.

Smoked Beef

Orcadians have smoked their meat and fish for many centuries and beef is no exception.  There are local butchers who still produce their own Oak smoked beef.

More information

Orkney Livestock Assoc – a farmer led health scheme for Orkney farmers.

The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society

Orkney agricultural shows – What’s on diary

Orcadian butchers – Orkney Food Trail.comSimilar Posts:

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The clifftops of the western coast of Orkney are home to many sea birds and Marwick Head is one of the three RSPB nature reserves on the Orkney islands.

Cliffs at Marwick Head

Exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, the clifftops are home to the largest cliff nesting seabird colony on the Orkney mainland.

Some of the star species you are likely to encounter in this seabird city include; Fulmars, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Guillemots and Puffins.

You may also be lucky enough to see Hen harriers, Artic skuas and Red-throated divers.  In a good season, over 25,ooo nesting birds use the sandstone cliff ledges of Mariwck Head.

The beach of Marwick Bay attracts a wide range of wading birds and ducks, the reserve also extends to some of the wet meadows immediately behind the footpath where Short eared owls (Catty faces) are often seen sitting on fence posts in the afternoon sun.

Early summer in May and June is the best time to see these birds and the carpets of pink Thrift.

The Marwick Head circular walk along the cliff path, will lead to the Kitchener Memorial and gives stunning views over to the island of Hoy.

More information

RSPB – Marwick Head

Welcome to Scotland – Marwick Head

Kitchener Memorial – Spirit of OrkneySimilar Posts:

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If you have a team, club or association in the Orkney Isles and would like to feature on this page, then just let us know via the “contact us” page.

Athletics

Badminton

Orkney Badminton Association – The badminton season runs from September to April each year.

Climbing

Darts

Kirkwall & District Darts League. KDDL was formed in 1967. The darts season runs from September until April, with A league matches generally taking place on Monday nights and B league games played on Tuesday nights.

Diving

Orkney Sub Aqua Club – Based in Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall. The club facilities comprise of large garage for a 5.8m RIB max. 8 divers, lecture room, kitchen, shower room, toilet and spa facilities with a jacuzzi and sauna

Fishing

Orkney Trout Fishing Association – The OTFA is a non-profit making voluntary body dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of game fishing throughout the Orkney Islands.

Orkney Islands Sea Angling Association – Cod, pollack, whiting, haddock, ling, mackerel, plaice and flounders can all be caught in the sea surround Orkney.

Football

Holm Football Club – The history of football in Holm dates back to World War 1 when soldiers based at the Holm Breckan Battery formed a team.

Stromness Athletic Football Club – The club has been around for over 100 years

Golf

Orkney Golf Club – Grainbank, Kirkwall, Orkney W15 1RD. Telephone 01856 872457
E Mail – orkneygolfclub@yahoo.com

Stromness Golf Club -Stromness Golf Club, Ness Road, Stromness. Orkney KW16 3DL  Telephone : 01856 850772

Karate

Orkney Karate -

Kayak and canoe

Orkney Sea Kayaking Association – Although many members have their own kayaks, OSKA has some kayaks and equipment for general use by members. OSKA is affiliated to the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA).

Motorcross

Orkney Motorcross Club

Motor Club

Orkney Motor Club – The Orkney Motor Club, founded in 1986 is the most northerly RAC Motor Club in the UK.

Ramblers

Orkney Ramblers Club – Formed in 1992 to promote walking within Orkney. Walks take place every second Sunday, averaging 5 to 10 Miles and include Coastal strolls, hill-walking, and hiking over heather and peat track

Rugby

Orkney Rugby Football Club - The Present club was founded as the result of an advert placed in the “Orcadian”  on Thursday 8th September 1966. Pickaquoy, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1RR  Telephone: 01856 872163

Sailing

Orkney Sailing Club – The Club is conveniently located on the harbour front in a listed building known as “The Girnel” in Harbour Street.  Address: Orkney Sailing Club, The Girnel, Harbour Street, Kirkwal,l Orkney, KW15 1LE Telephone : 07933 445 620

Stromness Sailing Club – based at the Ness Point end of Stromness harbour, close to Stromness Golf Club.

Holm Sailing Club – based in the village of St. Mary’s.

Westray Sailing Club – Sailing nights are Tuesday and Thursday, meeting at the harbour at 6:30pm with sailing starting at 7:00pm prompt.

Orkney Yole Association – The association has 60+ members comprising a small nucleus of owners and active sailors and supporters who want to preserve this once vital part of the economic and social life of the islands.

Triathlon

Orkney Triathlon Club - Orkney is home to the most northerly triathlon in the UK.

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Pastime and hobby associations

Orkney Field Club - The Field Club was founded in 1959 to encourage the study and conservation of the natural heritage of Orkney. It is a recognised charity, No. SC 012459, and all members are volunteers. Address : Orkney Field Club, C/O Kirkwall Library, 44 Junction Road, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1AG

East Mainland Gardeners – The club was formed in 2003 “to promote the interest of gardening among individuals resident in Orkney” and we have 70 members.

Orkney Amateur Radio Club – Radio telecommunications has always had an important role to play in this remote group of islands. As a consequence, there have been radio amateurs here since the early days of the hobby.

Orkney Vintage Club –  The Club was formed in 1982 and caters for all types of enthusiast – those owning or interested in cars, tractors, stationary engines, motor cycles, farm implements and machinery, household items etc – in fact the list is endless.

If you have a sports club in the Orkney Isles and would like to feature on this page, then just let us know via the “contact us” page.
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Wherever you go in the Orkney Islands you are very likely to come across fuchsia growing alongside paths and on emankments.

Fuchsia Magellanica Riccartonii is a naturalised alien, thought to be  introduced from South America, where it’s native home is Chile.  It is one of the hardiest Fuchsias, forming patches of dense scrub along paths, tracks and waterways. It is fast growing and can often be found reaching 3 metres or more in some areas.

This Fuchsia generally dies back with the first sign of frost, but as the Orkney Isles are warmed by the Gulf Stream, it is obvious that it can thrive unhindered for mots of the year, especially in the Western regions.

Leaves are dark green, serrated and are arranged opposite each other on the stem.

The four red sepals which form the outer part of the flower, turn hedgerows crimson in the summer and autumn but the inner deep purple petals are quite short, unlike their showy commercial cousins. Eight long red protruding stamens bear purple anthers allowing easy pollination by local bees and insects.

It is widely used as a hedging plant, because of its vigorous and dense growth and can be found bounding many of  the gardens in Kirkwall and Stromness.

Related topics;
BBC Gardening – How to grow hardy Fuchsia
The British Fuchsia Society – Everything you need to know about Fuchsia.

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