Orkney day 8: folk festival

Awoken by a very loud and persistent cuckoo, we then went on a bracing walk to our own chambered tomb. Himself clambered along the tiny passage way first and had rather a shock as it was already occupied! I don't know who had the biggest shock. This was the one where 26 dog skulls were found along with human remains - more de-fleshing perhaps.

The sun now shining we headed off to Orphir. First stop the remains of a Norse drinking hall. I know the current thinking is that Vikings were actually sweet and cuddly traders. Do not believe a word of it! Here a fight erupted because Svein Chest Rope did not follow the drinking rules. He cheated by filling his horn before he'd emptied it! It was noticed and Svein took massive offense and the result was not pretty. Most Viking events seemed to have ended by someone overreacting rather violently  resulting in someone getting their skull split in two.

We then had a leisurely walk along the cliffs then through a small wild woodland full of multi-coloured bluebells, pink and white mingling with the usual blue. On to Stromness where the folk festival was in full swing. These two were taking part in an impromptu session outside the Ferry Inn.

Later we managed to fit in two concerts. The first featured the Unthanks and Julie Fowlis - some fantastic singing plus a quick burst of clog dancing! We then emerged into the light and went to the next concert - not starting til 10.30! Way past my bedtime!! This time it was Lynched , a lively quartet from Dublin singing a mixture of  traditional Irish and music hall.

We staggered home at around 12.30am, the sky still full of light - and I swear I heard that cuckoo!