Fair Isle February - Joan Lennon

I'm on Fair Isle, the UK's most remote inhabited island, for a month's writing residency.  And as part of that, I've had the pleasure of working with Fair Isle Primary School's 4 pupils, ranging from P3 to P7.  Last week we wrote short stories, and this week it's riddle poems, and both weeks it's been a delight.

I have been overwhelmed by sea and sky and weather and so many more colours than I can find words for.  

My brain is full of images.  I will be writing about this experience for many years to come!



Joan Lennon's blog.
Joan Lennon's YA novel Silver Skin 
(set in Orkney - at least it's close!)

Fair Isle Forecast - Joan Lennon

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)