An interesting day

Who'd have thought an unpromisingly wet morning would have led to such an interesting day?

We called in at the Fossil and Heritage Centre on Burray. It was a real treat - so well laid out with really interesting information on geology and history as well as the fossils. We bought some coprolites which are fossilised dinosaur poo for the Grandsons. They will be thrilled! We bought Ella a crystal garden. She's not at all into dinosaurs.

Next stop was Kirkwall where we happened upon the 'blackening' ceremony - a bride-to-be was tied up outside the cathedral, blackened up and then released by her prosecco-fuelled friends to be whirled away in an open van accompanied by much hilarity and fun. I had forgotten something similar used to be done by the mill-girls in Hawick or Gala.

We then enjoyed St Magnus Cathedral. We were lucky enough to hear a small orchestra practising which was a relaxing way to spend some of the afternoon.

I left Mr C to listen to the music while I popped out to the information centre. When I booked our flights for Monday I hadn't realised the airport was 8 miles from the ferry terminal - I hadn't been able to get a round trip flight so had taken the tickets there thinking we could have s potter and get the ferry back. The info centre reassured me that there were buses - phew - even for us 8 miles in 2.5 hours would be pushing it!

Next we visited the museum. Again very interesting, taking us on the journey of Orkney from 5000BC through Bronze and Iron ages, the Picts, Vikings and Norse Earls before it was pawned to Scotland in the 15th century.

On the way out I asked a couple of local passers-by where we'd find the Willowburn fish and chip shop, as recommended by blipper Iainatcreel. They insisted on giving us a lift -I doubt we'd have found it tucked away down a little alley opposite a beautiful green area with willows and a burn of course. Orcadians are certainly friendly and helpful.

The blip is of the cathedral and musicians - I couldn't resist including Madame Defarge doing her knitting on the right of the picture.