Hoy Kirkyard

We walked along to the Hoy Kirkyard to place some hydrangea blooms on the grave of the Current Mrs Creel’s mother. 

She was born in Rackwick and lived in Hoy when married.  She was 'Miss Personality' at a Longhope dance in 1951.  She was in charge of the Hoy Post Office for over 30 years.  Somehow her job description included asking customers in for a cuppa.  Every year of her life she gathered in the harvest and looked after many, many kye and calves.  She was a very good darts player and liked home brew.  She thanked me endlessly for taking CMC off her hands.

The grass was very spongey, it missed the end-of-season cut.  The grass is cut by CMC’s nephew.  He also cuts the grass at the Lyness Naval Cemetery and the Longhope Kirkyard.  He is also the main driver on the island for ferrying the bairns to and from school.  He also has two hundred sheep (currently on Rackwick) and two dozen cattle.  He is also still trimming up his own croft house.  Sometimes he’s also the postman. A great example of how many islanders (everywhere) eke out a living.