Laura Drever

During an interview the other day I was asked what I liked most about Orkney and what would I recommend for folk visiting, to do while here. For me that is easy. Walk and soak it all in, follow coastal paths and enjoy the views, enjoy the space and the quiet and the light and the weather. Go to a beach or to the (archeological) sites, watch for birds and just spend time.

Whenever asked these kind of questions it allows for reflection, and I quite like that.

Growing up our parents would take us on Sunday runs in the car. We would drive to the country and they would take us walks – mum said sometimes we were dragged – although I don’t believe I ever thought that! We would holiday at home in Orkney in our caravan at Bosquoy Loch. It was nothing fancy – Forkytails crawling around, mice poo all over the place (obviously cleaned up before we stayed) dampness on the couches that folded into a bed and a hammock for someone else to sleep in. There was a chemical toilet and we often had apple pie and custard for pudding. The toilet was right beside the kitchen and there was a curtain to divide the caravan into two rooms at night. We would fill the basin and kettle up with water from the loch and mum would keep us amused with activities. I loved the smell of that place.

We used to think the loch side stepping stones were huge – balancing along them to get to the end seemed like an adventure, it was especially fun when we were allowed to dip our feet in. Slippy underfoot and refreshingly cold.

I think this is when my appreciation of the landscape started, such fond memories, I can almost feel my toes cold!

_{^{Exploring the Orkney Landscape is supported by Creative Scotland, Open Fund for Individuals – a Research and Development Project}}