Continue reading »]]> I’ve been enjoying my bi-annual Orkney Trip to see the in-laws. This year the trip started with a wedding at St.Magnus Cathedral – congratulations to Gemma and Kieran!

The wedding took place at 4pm, apparently it’s traditional to have weddings so late in the day (presumably because it’s traditionally a farming community). Then there was the reception in the school hall complete with the Bridal Cog (a half barrel filled with a heated alcohol mix – like mulled wine but much, much more toxic!). Plus as favours we were given a peddie (wee) ‘grottie buckie’ (a cowrie shell) an Orcadian symbol of good luck. The party continued the next day with yet more music, dancing and drink.

After that it was time to relax so we headed over to Hoy as Tom’s Orkney based family had headed over there for a peddie break. 
We camped at Rakwick – a lovely beach where Tom and his nephews even went for a swim.
What makes these photos even more impressive is this is 7pm at night -though I am told the water was rather chilly