Not far off eight years ago I visited Shetland as part of the Farlin project, a joint Fife-Shetland initiative that paired up poets and makers. I loved the project, and I was excited about visiting Shetland to do a reading there, though I was 100% sure that I would not love the place as much as I love Orkney ... I was 100% wrong.
I loved it!
Good advice
Sumburgh Head
North coast, Mainland Shetland
North coast, Mainland Shetland
North coast, Mainland Shetland
And now ... I'm going back. Only for a few days on Mainland Shetland and then, weather permitting, in a tiny 7-seater plane to Fair Isle! I still can't quite believe it. I'm going on a writing residency for the entire month of February and I have my own little cottage at the foot of Malcolm's Head, down near the south shore. I will be inhabitant number 56 on the Isle, and hope to be visiting the Primary School, and I will absolutely be writing my tiny socks off. Well, maybe it's a bit cold in February to do that. I will be writing while keeping my tiny socks on. Several pairs.
This is a big adventure for me, so wish me luck - and a fair weather forecast on the day I hope to fly (5 Feb.)! After that, blow winds and crack your cheeks! Can't wait.
Joan Lennon's YA novel Silver Skin (set in Orkney)
7 comments:
A bold, brave adventure! Trying not to shiver at the thought, but it will be such an amazing experience for you! Lucky school too.
Thanks Penny - looking forward to the night skies especially!
Your screen probably turned bright green with my envy. I had brief contact with one or the residents there when I was doing some research. She was delightfully friendly, apologising for a delay in getting back to me because of the sheep needing attention. I hope you like sheep!
How amazing! Have a wonderful time. What a brilliant thing to do, and what abgorgeous place to visit! Good luck!
Catdownunder - I love sheep, even though they always pee when they meet me - and thanks, Anne - will definitely want the good luck for getting onto the Isle! (Don't mind at all if I get stuck there, though.)
Good luck and I hope you have a lovely and very fruitful time!
Thanks Sue!
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