| January |
The
Ba' takes place every Christmas and New Year in Kirkwall.
Here Doonie winner Billy Jolly throws up the Men's Ba'
on New Year's Day, watched by Uppie winner Duncan Currie
and a large crowd. |
|
| February |
Winter
sunrise over Scapa Flow from Houton, Orphir. In midwinter
the sun rises about 08:40, while in midsummer it rises
about 04:25. |
|
| March |
The
majestic cliffs of St John's Head (305m) are often swathed
in mist. the Old Man of Hoy (137m) is in the distance. |
|
| April |
St
Magnus Cathedral was commenced in 1137 and is the centrepiece
of the town of Kirkwall. The Old Red Sandstone has a lovely
warm colour. |
|
| May |
Happy
Valley in Stenness was created by Edwin Harvey over many
years and is a haven of tranquillity in all seasons. In
spring many Bluebells flower here. |
|
| June |
Yesnaby
Castle on a peaceful day in early summer with Thrift in
the foreground. The scene is usually much more dramatic! |
|
| July |
The
tidal island of the Brough of Birsay has a lighthouse
and ruins dating from Pictish and Norse times. The links
in the foreground are covered by wild flowers in summer. |
|
| August |
Kirkwall
regatta centreboard alcomers race is always hotly contested.
The many sails make a fine sight in the bay. |
|
| September |
St
Margaret's Hope in South Ronaldsay is a pleasant little
village which nestles at the head of a fine harbour. |
|
| October |
The
Atlantic Grey Seal is rare in world terms, but common
in Orkney. They come ashore on small islands in autumn
to pup and mate. This young seal was on Faray. |
|
| November |
The
Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are often seen in the
darker months, especially when the moon is not up. Here
seen over the North Isles from Wideford Hill. |
|
| December |
Stromness
looks quite different when covered in snow. A large shower
is about to hit. |
|
