Land up in the Hills of Orkney

History

Simon — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:45:58 +0000

June 20th 8.55 pm first guests arrived at East Heddle.

Remarkable.

After 6 years its done.

Dusty

Simon — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:38:46 +0000

This blog has become neglected for which I apologise to the stalwart reader (s). Things in general are getting better. Loads of problems but most have solutions. New Skipper fot the Misty Isle in place and she will start fishing again the early Spring. Hooray !

Will give a photo update to EH soon. It is going to be incredible.

take good care and all who sail with you !

We did it

Simon — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:59:55 +0000

Over the weekend 25 tonnes of soil and 2300 sq ft of turf was artfully deposited on the roof of East Heddle. It was the last weekend of the year when this was possible as the Weather has now broken and rain is heavy and forcast all week.

It was very hard even so and we worked over 20 hours to get it done.

Photos to folow, major updates to site due soon.

White Billed Diver

Simon — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:16:02 +0000

This bird has been around for a while and i finally got the time to find it down at Barrier 4 yesterday. A Corker ! Big, goose sized parsnip nosed Diver and spectacular to see in the flesh. Normally hangs out in the Artic and Scandinavia/ Very impressive.

Five Stars

Simon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:09:18 +0000

We got a Five Star grading for the Byre today. Good.

Lots, so much to say that I can’t say it. Will update properly on a dreeky day. EH underway, roof imminent.

River Warbler

Simon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:48:27 +0000

Spent a couple of hours twitching today after a very rare visitor

a River Warbler who arrived in Evie last week. Strong winds meant it failed to show. Not my style but it was a departure from the normal bird walk.

Lost my Angelica to the gales, force 6 or 7 i guess, gusting 50mph. After 6 weeks of great weather it it not so bad but it was magnificent, 7ft tall and in full flower so its tough to see it destroyed.

yada yada

Simon — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:45:19 +0000

Life stumbles on. Brother Jonno been and gone. Weather remarkable for best spring ever, almost too dry and sunny infact. Many gorgeous days. Today a bit breezy but so far no real winds since April. Gardening a lot, planting up EH with structural stuff. Lots to do, Tom being very helpful. Mother mad as a brush. Brother Jules not progressing much. EH a bit stalled, stonework is more than Brian expected I think. Timing may become an issue. Byre going pretty well, solid bookings up to mid-August.

Great RSPB day out on Copinsay two weeks ago; loads of migrants here but no time to see them, Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle seen today/yesterday. (not by me).

Will post more photos soon.

Week I

Simon — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:18:47 +0000

Ends at EH. I will take some photos. Lost the architect (fired), took dowm more stone, watched big vehicles do stuff. Good start all in all.

Brother Jonno arrives this afternoon, long journey from Ashland, Oregon ends here at 3pm. Will be very good to see him.

Weather has been extraordinary, no rain for three weeks, loads of Sun and warm as well. Set to continue but cooler. Best May since 2003, that’s certain. Makes tree planting very difficult as cannot do it out of hose range until proper rain is forecast. Working very hard, getting things done, apart from Brian who has gone AWOL again. Very irritating.

Start

Simon — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:37:12 +0000

May 10th 2008

It began. Just Terry and me, hardcored and scalped the interior floor of East Heddle. The first day that finally stuff is going into EH rather than out. It has started.

Last week Tom and I removed the last section of wall that had to come down and moved the last flags out. The builders are coming…

Blissful

Simon — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:09:30 +0000

On Sunday we had our last Winter birdwalk. After 7 months of cold often wet sometimes tough outings (though always very rewarding) the April walk is like a reward. 15c, blue skies, light winds. Orkney sparkling, with the birds responding. The walk was looking for Summer migrants on the East Coast of Deerness, from Dingieshowe beach to Ayres Point.

First we saw Sandwich Turns, newly arrived from Africa, fishing with spectacular grace. Then the Swallows again back from Africa; we were looking out for Wheatears. These White Arses are simply exquisite. Like the Turns and Swallows, back from Africa for the long Summer feeding days.

We had a great picnic in a sheltered spot, positively sunbathing. We went on to see Purple Sandpipers, Whimbrel, Short Eared Owl, Kestral, Turnstones, Ringed Plovers and many others.

A great way to finish the Winter walks.