As you say, Tuck, compared to other places in the world it is curious that there is so little public sculpture (however one defines that) around in Orkney. There are various organisations that could be approached to fund such things, as well as public fund-raising in ORkney. However there seems to be a lack of interest in such things *within Orkney* and I would guess, the general public *in Orkney*, despite there being many local artists, both Orcadian and incomer. Like I said before - it may be a "cultural" thing. Sian ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 4:16 PM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Public Sculpture > All, > > After much world travel it is curious to me that Orkney, a place with > so much history, so many famous and amazing people, and so much arts > activity, does not choose to endow their lands with public sculpture > as other places do. I can't somehow believe that Iceland, as just one > example, has more money than Orkney, yet sculpture abounds, and > enriches the capital, and every small town as well. > > But public sculpture often takes forms well beyond the important man > standing on a plinth. As we decorate our homes with small and > affordable pieces of art so many communities beautify their public > living rooms with art as well, and not always to celebrate someone > who is dead and gone, but often just to add a point of focus to the > urban landscape. And many times the two purposes coincide. > > I would wager there are plenty of Orkney artists who would welcome > the chance to add their talents to the ongoing legacy of the Islands. > One such is Frances Pelley of Evie. She is a trained figure sculptor > who specializes in elegant letter cutting, artfully carving words > into stones. Some of these she places in unusual spots to be > discovered. For example, there is a small stream in Rendall, where, > if a hiker looks carefully, he or she might find a stone lying on the > bottom of the stream with a poem winking through the water. What a > delightful way to enrich a landscape without really altering it. > > Sheila Fleet has wonderfully sensitive drawings she has done of tide > and hill and sky, from which she extracts designs for her jewelry. If > she were encouraged and funded to make some of those larger and in > permanent materials, and place them carefully, just a few here and > there, how nice they might be to encounter. Just as a cluster of > puffins puts a sparkle on a cliff edge walk, so might one of her > lovely works add just that touch of specialness to a view. > > There is a small town near here that began, several years ago, to > place public sculptures. One woman took on this task, and found > residents who were long time citizens of the town, who had amassed > some money, and who were nearing the ends of their lives. Asked if > they wanted their money to go to the government or to improving the > town they so loved, they asked how they could help, and funding a > public sculpture was the answer. There are now seven large pieces > gracing the town, and, coincidentally, or perhaps not, the entire > town has been revived, thrown off the ugly modernizations of the > 1950s, restored the original store fronts, opened new shops and > restaurants, and has returned to the beauty spot it once was. > Incidentally, one of their eating and drinking establishments > includes on their beer list two from Orkney - Skullsplitter and Red > McGregor > > There is plenty of talent in Orkney, as well as those artists abroad > who love the Islands, to begin a small renaissance of public art, I > am sure. Future generations would be thankful. As in all such > endeavors one starts small and grows, bit by bit. And if one > searches, the money can be found. > > Tuck > On Oct 1, 2007, at 6:07 AM, Sian Thomas wrote: > >> There are memorials, such as the one at Longhope to commemorate the >> crew of >> the Longhope lifeboat who lost their lives (I find that one very >> moving). >> And there are one or two other "memorials" in Kirks etc eg John Rae >> in St >> Magnus Cathedral. >> >> But generally there is little public art in Orkney. Most is found >> within >> the Museum and the Pier Arts Centre and the other small galleries >> of local >> artists etc. Generally I think most Orcadians are more focussed on >> day to >> day living and would prefer what money was available to go towards >> essential >> services, housing, health care etc rather than "public art". >> >> As for "BP" - if you mean the oil terminal on Flotta, that is run by >> Talisman, and I'm afraid over the years they have put less and less >> into the >> community. The Council do have an ARts Development Officer, who >> has access >> to external funding (not much available in Orkney) but her focus is >> more on >> developing an arts scene involving people and developing arts for >> people, a >> current "living" culture, rather than something which may be seen >> to be >> "static" such as a sculpture. And there is indeed a rich and thriving >> living arts culture in Orkney, which is one of the reasons I love >> living >> here. >> >> The Holm Totem Pole carving was brilliant as it involved the local >> community >> both young and old and there was an exchange of cultures and >> skills, I think >> that has far more impact locally than a more conventional public >> piece of >> sculpture. As for commemmorating "local heroes" of the past - >> well I >> think that does happen but in other ways eg "St Magnus" Festival. The >> "George Mackay Brown Fellowship", which has awarded a fellowship >> for a year >> to a local writer, who has organised many other literary events >> too, again >> involving the community. >> >> Don't get me wrong - I too love sculpture, but I don't think much >> public >> sculpture will ever be in evidence in Orkney. And I for one would >> rather see >> the money spent on involving the community in arts events rather >> than a one >> off sculpture, which after a while blends into the landscape for >> local folk >> and is often only commented upon by "visitors". What do the >> other ORkney >> folk on the list think? >> >> Sian >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:40 AM >> Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) >> Handyreference information) >> >> >>> Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and >>> with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin >>> the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, >>> important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? >>> >>> Tuck >>> >>> PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I >>> could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, Orkney >>> has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so >>> full of art, this is a shame. >>> >>> >>> On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: >>> >> >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Tuck wrote: > All, > > I find this discussion of public art very interesting, from all > points of view. One thought is this: most of the art in Orkney is > either in galleries or in homes. Both are private places, so the > general public doesn't see it much. Yes, they can visit the > galleries, but do they? > > Now, on the ship there are glass panels with images and quotations > from George Mackay Brown, which are very lovely, so a visitor > arriving for the first or fiftieth time sees art on the crossing. But > after arriving, there is precious little, aside from going indoors. > > Orkney is famous for its artists and crafts people whose work is of > the highest caliber. But, as stated above, it is mostly private. I > can see a situation where Orkney artists are encouraged - and there > is little stronger encouragement than good pay for honest work - to > create some works which are larger and made of permanent materials to > withstand the fiercest gales and most horrendous weather (it's not > difficult) and place works out where not just gallery hopping > tourists, but the real people of Orkney can see them and enjoy them. > I'm not talking of a lot, not a sudden rush of works to clutter the > place, but a little here and there. Public works need not be large, > nor need they be obvious and "in your face." Often the subtle piece > to be discovered can be more effective than the big looming work > dominating the land. In fact, if there is one word which is apt for > Orkney, it is subtle. There are no alps, no waterfalls, no huge > redwood forests, only the gentle rise and fall of the land and its > intricate dance with the sea. Orkney craftspeople express this in > small scale, so why not a bit larger? > > I would like to see a way to get the many fine artists on Orkney to > share their works with the general public through some kind of > program to provide funds, and sites, for such things, but as soon as > committees get involved art takes a back seat, so the best way is > like that small town in Michigan, where individuals provide a gift to > their fair land, and the deal is done. And I firmly believe that once > a few pieces began to be discovered, the average Orcadian would find > delight in them, and look for more. > > I welcome any other comments. > > Tuck > > PS: I am a sculptor of large scale bronze figures (also many much > smaller things) and live In Indiana, in suburbia, which was open > country when we moved here 36 years ago. We have been visiting Orkney > for many years, and always hum to ourselves "A Farewell to Stromness" > as the boat departs. An example of a tiny piece of mine is the small > portrait head of George Mackay Brown now in the Stromness City Library. > On Oct 1, 2007, at 5:44 PM, [email protected] wrote: > > >> "Ferry Louper" "Incomer"......then there are all the names >> probably said >> only behind closed doors, and outsiders of whatever type don't >> know about. >> (Excuse the ending preposition, please.) >> Karen >> >> >> In a message dated 10/1/2007 4:19:25 P.M. Central Daylight Time, >> [email protected] writes: >> >> Hi, >> >> I know that I don't contribute often to the message board but if >> my memory >> serves me correctly, isn't the correct term for an inhabitant born >> outside >> Orkney "Ferry Louper"? >> >> Regards, >> >> Ron >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without >> the quotes in the subject and the >> body of the message >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ************************************** See what's new at http:// >> www.aol.com >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message >> > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > -- Jacqueline Howell 510 302-4200 510 302-4242 FAX Receptionist/Asst. Site Administrator WestEd 300 Lakeside Drive, 25th Fl Oakland, CA 94612

And some may say that the St Magnus Cathedral, was, in itself, a fitting tribute to "St Magnus". And Happy Valley is to Edwin Harrold. As for public sculptures - I'm not sure whether the "people of Orkney" even *want* traditional public sculpture as a representation of past "heroes". Different cultures have different ways of representations. I don't think that has been part of the "orkney tradition" (see above!). Monuments yes, traditional "figure" sculptures, no. Tourists might like the public art, but I'm not so sure it would win many votes (in a non political sense) from local folk. Sian ----- Original Message ----- From: "Norman Tulloch" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 11:36 AM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada > Tuck wrote: >> >> Where is a sculpture of St. Magnus, just for starters? At the site of >> his martyrdom there is a stone plinth which seems to cry out for an >> image of him to stand against the sky. And such an image could be >> easily cast twice, the second of which ought to stand before the >> Cathedral. >> > I feel there's a serious danger that sculptures of St Magnus et al could > be both sentimental and fanciful. > > I'd agree with Sian on the Longhope lifeboat memorial, though; I too > find it moving. > > Norman Tulloch > > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Ya know....I would be happy to broach this topic with the HBC foundation. There is an example, like the oil guys, who has taken more from Orkney than ever they will in a million years repay. You might wish to know that one of the major original investors in the North Sea Oil project, was indeed a Canadian with a sensitivity to that Orkney heritage line. Where there is a will, tuck, there is a way (not to attempt to contrive an original saying.) I just think you are spot on. No individual Orcadian is going to fund something big enough to be impressive, but a group effort including the commercial sector could do this with ease. I don't like the idea of too much government involvement as they become zealous and the thing becomes some sort of political focal point. But art is about heart and that is what countries and societies are made of. Orkney is short of neither talent or heart, so achieving your goal is indeed possible. Thanks again for your sincere thoughts and ideas. Stephen On Oct 1, 2007, at 11:16 AM, Tuck wrote: > All, > > After much world travel it is curious to me that Orkney, a place with > so much history, so many famous and amazing people, and so much arts > activity, does not choose to endow their lands with public sculpture > as other places do. I can't somehow believe that Iceland, as just one > example, has more money than Orkney, yet sculpture abounds, and > enriches the capital, and every small town as well. > > But public sculpture often takes forms well beyond the important man > standing on a plinth. As we decorate our homes with small and > affordable pieces of art so many communities beautify their public > living rooms with art as well, and not always to celebrate someone > who is dead and gone, but often just to add a point of focus to the > urban landscape. And many times the two purposes coincide. > > I would wager there are plenty of Orkney artists who would welcome > the chance to add their talents to the ongoing legacy of the Islands. > One such is Frances Pelley of Evie. She is a trained figure sculptor > who specializes in elegant letter cutting, artfully carving words > into stones. Some of these she places in unusual spots to be > discovered. For example, there is a small stream in Rendall, where, > if a hiker looks carefully, he or she might find a stone lying on the > bottom of the stream with a poem winking through the water. What a > delightful way to enrich a landscape without really altering it. > > Sheila Fleet has wonderfully sensitive drawings she has done of tide > and hill and sky, from which she extracts designs for her jewelry. If > she were encouraged and funded to make some of those larger and in > permanent materials, and place them carefully, just a few here and > there, how nice they might be to encounter. Just as a cluster of > puffins puts a sparkle on a cliff edge walk, so might one of her > lovely works add just that touch of specialness to a view. > > There is a small town near here that began, several years ago, to > place public sculptures. One woman took on this task, and found > residents who were long time citizens of the town, who had amassed > some money, and who were nearing the ends of their lives. Asked if > they wanted their money to go to the government or to improving the > town they so loved, they asked how they could help, and funding a > public sculpture was the answer. There are now seven large pieces > gracing the town, and, coincidentally, or perhaps not, the entire > town has been revived, thrown off the ugly modernizations of the > 1950s, restored the original store fronts, opened new shops and > restaurants, and has returned to the beauty spot it once was. > Incidentally, one of their eating and drinking establishments > includes on their beer list two from Orkney - Skullsplitter and Red > McGregor > > There is plenty of talent in Orkney, as well as those artists abroad > who love the Islands, to begin a small renaissance of public art, I > am sure. Future generations would be thankful. As in all such > endeavors one starts small and grows, bit by bit. And if one > searches, the money can be found. > > Tuck > On Oct 1, 2007, at 6:07 AM, Sian Thomas wrote: > >> There are memorials, such as the one at Longhope to commemorate the >> crew of >> the Longhope lifeboat who lost their lives (I find that one very >> moving). >> And there are one or two other "memorials" in Kirks etc eg John Rae >> in St >> Magnus Cathedral. >> >> But generally there is little public art in Orkney. Most is found >> within >> the Museum and the Pier Arts Centre and the other small galleries >> of local >> artists etc. Generally I think most Orcadians are more focussed on >> day to >> day living and would prefer what money was available to go towards >> essential >> services, housing, health care etc rather than "public art". >> >> As for "BP" - if you mean the oil terminal on Flotta, that is run by >> Talisman, and I'm afraid over the years they have put less and less >> into the >> community. The Council do have an ARts Development Officer, who >> has access >> to external funding (not much available in Orkney) but her focus is >> more on >> developing an arts scene involving people and developing arts for >> people, a >> current "living" culture, rather than something which may be seen >> to be >> "static" such as a sculpture. And there is indeed a rich and >> thriving >> living arts culture in Orkney, which is one of the reasons I love >> living >> here. >> >> The Holm Totem Pole carving was brilliant as it involved the local >> community >> both young and old and there was an exchange of cultures and >> skills, I think >> that has far more impact locally than a more conventional public >> piece of >> sculpture. As for commemmorating "local heroes" of the past - >> well I >> think that does happen but in other ways eg "St Magnus" Festival. >> The >> "George Mackay Brown Fellowship", which has awarded a fellowship >> for a year >> to a local writer, who has organised many other literary events >> too, again >> involving the community. >> >> Don't get me wrong - I too love sculpture, but I don't think much >> public >> sculpture will ever be in evidence in Orkney. And I for one would >> rather see >> the money spent on involving the community in arts events rather >> than a one >> off sculpture, which after a while blends into the landscape for >> local folk >> and is often only commented upon by "visitors". What do the >> other ORkney >> folk on the list think? >> >> Sian >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:40 AM >> Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) >> Handyreference information) >> >> >>> Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and >>> with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin >>> the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, >>> important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? >>> >>> Tuck >>> >>> PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I >>> could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, >>> Orkney >>> has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so >>> full of art, this is a shame. >>> >>> >>> On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: >>> >> >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message

I stand correct for my most grievous errors and will endeavor to mend my errant ways...(said with some degree of seriousness)...Now if I can get my fingers to behave! R -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sian Thomas Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 12:43 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Grammar Police Moment Yes I'd agree Anne. Orcadians is the correct term of reference. I tend to use "Orcadians" when speaking about people born in Orkney, and "orkney folk" as a more general term to include those of us who are incomers. Although I know some of the incomers also consider themselves Orcadian but that's a whole 'nother topic we discussed some months back! :-) Sian Graemsay

I am seeing a lot of references to the people of Orkney as "Orkneyans" I am pretty sure that the correct appellation is "Orcadians" taken from the Latin version, Orcades. Anne who learned "Orcadian" from her grandmother, whose parents WERE.

Seems like I recall hearing of a proposal or two for some public sculptures last year. There was a bit of a fuss. Then it all got "referred to committee" and I haven't heard any more--which is often the purpose of such referral. I do recall also hearing about a temporary installation which was up for about a month, since everyone knew it wasn't a permanent change to the landscape, it was perhaps more acceptable. I'm sure ideas will continue to come, and when appropriate they will survive the decision making process. I can't help but think that man-carved standing stones are really a public sculpture which have permanently changed/created the landscape. There have also been those who wanted to knock them down, did knock some of them down. Then there are those buried in the ground still to be exposed. Karen ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

Several of my college (university) acquaintances are artists (fabric, metal, paint) who have been commissioned to create public space art for the airports in their areas. I think this is a great way to decorate an otherwise lines-and-planes (surfaces) space, encourage new ways of looking at art and space, and show off local talent. To say nothing of engaging the travelling public. The amount of open space and the (physical) atmosphere have a lot of impact on what kind of exterior art is appropriate. One of my favorite Brancusi sculptures (the bird) in the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice, looks like it has eczema because of open windows and nasty salty air from the canal. It is really interesting to hear the differing points of view. I would like to know, Tuck, where you live and how that impacts your POV, keeping your vocation in mind as the heaviest impact on POV. I live near and am almost daily in down-town Philadelphia (PA) where wide sidewalks, massive and architecturally important public buildings (to say nothing of multiple universities, hospitals, and museums) mean that there is a lot of public sculpture. But there is a lot of space available for it.... Anne in Ardmore On 10/1/07, Sian Thomas <[email protected]> wrote: > Talking to myself here.... there is public art commissioned and displayed > around Orkney, though not sculpture.

Another place to try enter Orkney names in multi-map to search "rest of world" -- or any particular country. I just found 4 Hoys, 5 Kirkwalls....... _http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&t=l&map=58.96570,-3.29630|13|4&loc=GB:58.96570 :-3.29630:13&dp=841#t=l&map=35.12372,-64.96993|3|4&dp=841&hloc=%20|HOY_ (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&t=l&map=58.96570,-3.29630|13|4&loc=GB:58.96570:-3.29 630:13&dp=841#t=l&map=35.12372,-64.96993|3|4&dp=841&hloc=%20|HOY) _Maps of the world, country map search - powered by Multimap_ (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&t=l&map=58.96570,-3.29630|13|4&loc=GB:58.96570:-3.29630:13&dp =841#t=l&map=35.12372,-64.96993|3|4&dp=841&hloc=%20|HOY) on Streetmap.co.uk you can search by street names. Anyone been to Hoy Street London, or Hoy Walk in Corby, Northamptonshire? Karen ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com

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Sian wrote -- there is so little public sculpture ... around in Orkney. -------------------- Perhaps it would take a canny artist to make something that would hold up, year-round, in some of those gale force winds!? :) - Lisa

I would tend to agree. The use of "monumental art" for public adornment is not a cultural given. Some cultures go in for it in a big way,,some don't do it at all. And even the ones that have a tradition of monumental art don't use the same formats. Some go in for great and grand public buildings,,for others it's more likely to be statuary, or monuments. For the most part (Neolithic stone circles and such notwithstanding), public art tends to be more an urban phenomenon and less a rural one. Since Orkney is predominantly rural it may be as simple as the Orkneyians don't feel a need to put out the effort for something that has little "practical" value. On another line, with the possible exception of the Picts,,none of the other peoples that play a part in the past of the current Orkneyians have a tradition of monumental public art. R -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sian Thomas Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 11:15 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Public Sculpture As you say, Tuck, compared to other places in the world it is curious that there is so little public sculpture (however one defines that) around in Orkney. There are various organisations that could be approached to fund such things, as well as public fund-raising in ORkney. However there seems to be a lack of interest in such things *within Orkney* and I would guess, the general public *in Orkney*, despite there being many local artists, both Orcadian and incomer. Like I said before - it may be a "cultural" thing. Sian ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 4:16 PM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Public Sculpture > All, > > After much world travel it is curious to me that Orkney, a place with > so much history, so many famous and amazing people, and so much arts > activity, does not choose to endow their lands with public sculpture > as other places do. I can't somehow believe that Iceland, as just one > example, has more money than Orkney, yet sculpture abounds, and > enriches the capital, and every small town as well. > > But public sculpture often takes forms well beyond the important man > standing on a plinth. As we decorate our homes with small and > affordable pieces of art so many communities beautify their public > living rooms with art as well, and not always to celebrate someone > who is dead and gone, but often just to add a point of focus to the > urban landscape. And many times the two purposes coincide. > > I would wager there are plenty of Orkney artists who would welcome > the chance to add their talents to the ongoing legacy of the Islands. > One such is Frances Pelley of Evie. She is a trained figure sculptor > who specializes in elegant letter cutting, artfully carving words > into stones. Some of these she places in unusual spots to be > discovered. For example, there is a small stream in Rendall, where, > if a hiker looks carefully, he or she might find a stone lying on the > bottom of the stream with a poem winking through the water. What a > delightful way to enrich a landscape without really altering it. > > Sheila Fleet has wonderfully sensitive drawings she has done of tide > and hill and sky, from which she extracts designs for her jewelry. If > she were encouraged and funded to make some of those larger and in > permanent materials, and place them carefully, just a few here and > there, how nice they might be to encounter. Just as a cluster of > puffins puts a sparkle on a cliff edge walk, so might one of her > lovely works add just that touch of specialness to a view. > > There is a small town near here that began, several years ago, to > place public sculptures. One woman took on this task, and found > residents who were long time citizens of the town, who had amassed > some money, and who were nearing the ends of their lives. Asked if > they wanted their money to go to the government or to improving the > town they so loved, they asked how they could help, and funding a > public sculpture was the answer. There are now seven large pieces > gracing the town, and, coincidentally, or perhaps not, the entire > town has been revived, thrown off the ugly modernizations of the > 1950s, restored the original store fronts, opened new shops and > restaurants, and has returned to the beauty spot it once was. > Incidentally, one of their eating and drinking establishments > includes on their beer list two from Orkney - Skullsplitter and Red > McGregor > > There is plenty of talent in Orkney, as well as those artists abroad > who love the Islands, to begin a small renaissance of public art, I > am sure. Future generations would be thankful. As in all such > endeavors one starts small and grows, bit by bit. And if one > searches, the money can be found. > > Tuck > On Oct 1, 2007, at 6:07 AM, Sian Thomas wrote: > >> There are memorials, such as the one at Longhope to commemorate the >> crew of >> the Longhope lifeboat who lost their lives (I find that one very >> moving). >> And there are one or two other "memorials" in Kirks etc eg John Rae >> in St >> Magnus Cathedral. >> >> But generally there is little public art in Orkney. Most is found >> within >> the Museum and the Pier Arts Centre and the other small galleries >> of local >> artists etc. Generally I think most Orcadians are more focussed on >> day to >> day living and would prefer what money was available to go towards >> essential >> services, housing, health care etc rather than "public art". >> >> As for "BP" - if you mean the oil terminal on Flotta, that is run by >> Talisman, and I'm afraid over the years they have put less and less >> into the >> community. The Council do have an ARts Development Officer, who >> has access >> to external funding (not much available in Orkney) but her focus is >> more on >> developing an arts scene involving people and developing arts for >> people, a >> current "living" culture, rather than something which may be seen >> to be >> "static" such as a sculpture. And there is indeed a rich and thriving >> living arts culture in Orkney, which is one of the reasons I love >> living >> here. >> >> The Holm Totem Pole carving was brilliant as it involved the local >> community >> both young and old and there was an exchange of cultures and >> skills, I think >> that has far more impact locally than a more conventional public >> piece of >> sculpture. As for commemmorating "local heroes" of the past - >> well I >> think that does happen but in other ways eg "St Magnus" Festival. The >> "George Mackay Brown Fellowship", which has awarded a fellowship >> for a year >> to a local writer, who has organised many other literary events >> too, again >> involving the community. >> >> Don't get me wrong - I too love sculpture, but I don't think much >> public >> sculpture will ever be in evidence in Orkney. And I for one would >> rather see >> the money spent on involving the community in arts events rather >> than a one >> off sculpture, which after a while blends into the landscape for >> local folk >> and is often only commented upon by "visitors". What do the >> other ORkney >> folk on the list think? >> >> Sian >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:40 AM >> Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) >> Handyreference information) >> >> >>> Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and >>> with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin >>> the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, >>> important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? >>> >>> Tuck >>> >>> PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I >>> could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, Orkney >>> has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so >>> full of art, this is a shame. >>> >>> >>> On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: >>> >> >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Tuck wrote: > > Where is a sculpture of St. Magnus, just for starters? At the site of > his martyrdom there is a stone plinth which seems to cry out for an > image of him to stand against the sky. And such an image could be > easily cast twice, the second of which ought to stand before the > Cathedral. > > Where are sculptures of Thorfinn or the other Earls? We look in vain > for images of the many explorers who sailed from Orkney shores, some > to return, many not, but sons of Orkney still. And what of the many > writers and artists who have spread their love for Orkney around the > world? How sad their faces are absent in their own home isles. Well, Tuck, I bow (to some extent anyway!) to your superior knowledge on these matters, but isn't there a bit of problem with creating images of St Magnus, Thorfinn or the other earls when we don't have the slightest idea what they looked like? If such images were created, wouldn't they be just false? I suppose it might be argued that a sculpture could capture the spirit of St Magnus but I don't think we really know all that much about that either. How far was he really a saint and how far was he just a man who was caught up in the power struggles of his time and who was canonised for political reasons? I feel there's a serious danger that sculptures of St Magnus et al could be both sentimental and fanciful. I'd agree with Sian on the Longhope lifeboat memorial, though; I too find it moving. Norman Tulloch

All, After much world travel it is curious to me that Orkney, a place with so much history, so many famous and amazing people, and so much arts activity, does not choose to endow their lands with public sculpture as other places do. I can't somehow believe that Iceland, as just one example, has more money than Orkney, yet sculpture abounds, and enriches the capital, and every small town as well. But public sculpture often takes forms well beyond the important man standing on a plinth. As we decorate our homes with small and affordable pieces of art so many communities beautify their public living rooms with art as well, and not always to celebrate someone who is dead and gone, but often just to add a point of focus to the urban landscape. And many times the two purposes coincide. I would wager there are plenty of Orkney artists who would welcome the chance to add their talents to the ongoing legacy of the Islands. One such is Frances Pelley of Evie. She is a trained figure sculptor who specializes in elegant letter cutting, artfully carving words into stones. Some of these she places in unusual spots to be discovered. For example, there is a small stream in Rendall, where, if a hiker looks carefully, he or she might find a stone lying on the bottom of the stream with a poem winking through the water. What a delightful way to enrich a landscape without really altering it. Sheila Fleet has wonderfully sensitive drawings she has done of tide and hill and sky, from which she extracts designs for her jewelry. If she were encouraged and funded to make some of those larger and in permanent materials, and place them carefully, just a few here and there, how nice they might be to encounter. Just as a cluster of puffins puts a sparkle on a cliff edge walk, so might one of her lovely works add just that touch of specialness to a view. There is a small town near here that began, several years ago, to place public sculptures. One woman took on this task, and found residents who were long time citizens of the town, who had amassed some money, and who were nearing the ends of their lives. Asked if they wanted their money to go to the government or to improving the town they so loved, they asked how they could help, and funding a public sculpture was the answer. There are now seven large pieces gracing the town, and, coincidentally, or perhaps not, the entire town has been revived, thrown off the ugly modernizations of the 1950s, restored the original store fronts, opened new shops and restaurants, and has returned to the beauty spot it once was. Incidentally, one of their eating and drinking establishments includes on their beer list two from Orkney - Skullsplitter and Red McGregor There is plenty of talent in Orkney, as well as those artists abroad who love the Islands, to begin a small renaissance of public art, I am sure. Future generations would be thankful. As in all such endeavors one starts small and grows, bit by bit. And if one searches, the money can be found. Tuck On Oct 1, 2007, at 6:07 AM, Sian Thomas wrote: > There are memorials, such as the one at Longhope to commemorate the > crew of > the Longhope lifeboat who lost their lives (I find that one very > moving). > And there are one or two other "memorials" in Kirks etc eg John Rae > in St > Magnus Cathedral. > > But generally there is little public art in Orkney. Most is found > within > the Museum and the Pier Arts Centre and the other small galleries > of local > artists etc. Generally I think most Orcadians are more focussed on > day to > day living and would prefer what money was available to go towards > essential > services, housing, health care etc rather than "public art". > > As for "BP" - if you mean the oil terminal on Flotta, that is run by > Talisman, and I'm afraid over the years they have put less and less > into the > community. The Council do have an ARts Development Officer, who > has access > to external funding (not much available in Orkney) but her focus is > more on > developing an arts scene involving people and developing arts for > people, a > current "living" culture, rather than something which may be seen > to be > "static" such as a sculpture. And there is indeed a rich and thriving > living arts culture in Orkney, which is one of the reasons I love > living > here. > > The Holm Totem Pole carving was brilliant as it involved the local > community > both young and old and there was an exchange of cultures and > skills, I think > that has far more impact locally than a more conventional public > piece of > sculpture. As for commemmorating "local heroes" of the past - > well I > think that does happen but in other ways eg "St Magnus" Festival. The > "George Mackay Brown Fellowship", which has awarded a fellowship > for a year > to a local writer, who has organised many other literary events > too, again > involving the community. > > Don't get me wrong - I too love sculpture, but I don't think much > public > sculpture will ever be in evidence in Orkney. And I for one would > rather see > the money spent on involving the community in arts events rather > than a one > off sculpture, which after a while blends into the landscape for > local folk > and is often only commented upon by "visitors". What do the > other ORkney > folk on the list think? > > Sian > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:40 AM > Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) > Handyreference information) > > >> Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and >> with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin >> the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, >> important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? >> >> Tuck >> >> PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I >> could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, Orkney >> has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so >> full of art, this is a shame. >> >> >> On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: >> > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message

There are memorials, such as the one at Longhope to commemorate the crew of the Longhope lifeboat who lost their lives (I find that one very moving). And there are one or two other "memorials" in Kirks etc eg John Rae in St Magnus Cathedral. But generally there is little public art in Orkney. Most is found within the Museum and the Pier Arts Centre and the other small galleries of local artists etc. Generally I think most Orcadians are more focussed on day to day living and would prefer what money was available to go towards essential services, housing, health care etc rather than "public art". As for "BP" - if you mean the oil terminal on Flotta, that is run by Talisman, and I'm afraid over the years they have put less and less into the community. The Council do have an ARts Development Officer, who has access to external funding (not much available in Orkney) but her focus is more on developing an arts scene involving people and developing arts for people, a current "living" culture, rather than something which may be seen to be "static" such as a sculpture. And there is indeed a rich and thriving living arts culture in Orkney, which is one of the reasons I love living here. The Holm Totem Pole carving was brilliant as it involved the local community both young and old and there was an exchange of cultures and skills, I think that has far more impact locally than a more conventional public piece of sculpture. As for commemmorating "local heroes" of the past - well I think that does happen but in other ways eg "St Magnus" Festival. The "George Mackay Brown Fellowship", which has awarded a fellowship for a year to a local writer, who has organised many other literary events too, again involving the community. Don't get me wrong - I too love sculpture, but I don't think much public sculpture will ever be in evidence in Orkney. And I for one would rather see the money spent on involving the community in arts events rather than a one off sculpture, which after a while blends into the landscape for local folk and is often only commented upon by "visitors". What do the other ORkney folk on the list think? Sian ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tuck" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 01, 2007 3:40 AM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) Handyreference information) > Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and > with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin > the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, > important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? > > Tuck > > PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I > could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, Orkney > has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so > full of art, this is a shame. > > > On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: >

Mount Norquay in Banff, Alberta comes immediately to my mind. Named after John Norquay, Premier of Manitoba, there's some fine skiing there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Norquay Christine Norquay San Rafael, CA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This e-mail message from State Compensation Insurance Fund and all attachments transmitted with it may be privileged or confidential and protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or taking any action based on it is strictly prohibited and may have legal consequences. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy the original message and all copies. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Washington Irving's father did indeed come from Shapinsay. Where would American literature be without Orkney? Herman Melville is descended from a Scollay from Stronsay and Robert Frost's mother was a Moodie, said to have been a member of the Orkney Moodie family. James Russell Lowell's fame hasn't lasted but he was an important figure in his day, known as one of America's Fireside Poets, along with Longfellow and Whittier. His grandfather was Keith Spence from Kirkwall and his great-grandfather was Robert Traill from Rousay. I believe my great-granduncle Thomas Leask had a hand in naming Orkney in South Africa. There is also a Germiston in South Africa which may have been named after the parish in Stenness. Sutherland Point in Sydney was named by Captain Cook after Orcadian Forby Sutherland, his crewman who died of consumption and became the first white man to be buried in Australia. The Inkster district in Winnipeg is named after an Orcadian family. Colin Inkster was High Sheriff of Manitoba. Mount Norquay and Sinclair Mountain and Canyon in Canada are named after John Norquay and James Sinclair, Canadians with very strong Orkney connections. Arctic explorer William Scoresby named Traill Island off Greenland after his Orcadian friend, Professor Thomas Traill. John James Audobon named a bird the Traill Flycatcher. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Steven Heddle Sent: 30 September 2007 23:35 To: [email protected] Subject: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) Handyreference information) Stephen's message is topical as the parish of Holm has just erected a totem pole carved by the community in conjunction with the expertise and guidance of visitors from the Squamish First Nation, see http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/imagelibrary/list.asp?field=groups&crit=4 5 for some pictures of the event, and the associated ceremony. Our visitors (humourously) expressed awe at the wind here, and surprise that we would want to live with such weather (although I haven't noticed it being particularly windy the last two weeks- they should visit here in January...). But the point is that everybody seemed to have got on well and enjoyed the experience. Regarding what is an Orkney name, we could debate this for a while, the subject being confused by the immigration and emigration that has constantly taken place. A less contentious place to start is by reference to J.Storer Clouston(yes 'The Spy in Black' writer)'s book 'Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299-1614' where he records the names of the 25 'roithman' families which had extra rights under Udal Law, including the right of redemption (of property). Of the 22 distinct names all but 3 still feature in the local phone book, and those three (I believe) still exist elsewhere through emigration. The names are listed below, with date of first written reference in square brackets- not much was actually written early on: Berstane (of Cletts) [1500,1514] Cragy (of Brough), now Craigie [1424] Cromarty (of Cara) [1479] Clouston (of Clouston) [1434] Corrigall (of Corrigall) [1489] Flett (of Netherbrough) [1424] Flett (of Hobbister and of Gruthay) [?] Fraser (of Tohop) [1438] Heddle (of Heddle) [1424] Halcro (of Halcro) [1509] Halcro (of Aikers) [1503] Ireland (of Ireland) [1369] (see earlier thread which pointed out the daftness of changing the name of the Mill of Ireland to the Mill of Eyrland) Irving (of Sabay), now Irvine [1369] (Washington Irving's family was from Shapinsay I believe- Pat Long will know better than me) Kirkness (of Kirkness) [1391] Linklater (of Linklater) [1424] Loutitt (of Lyking) [1500] Ness and Tulloch of Ness [1447] Paplay (of Paplay and Sands) [1550] Rendall (of Rendall) [1231] Sclater (of Burness) [1492] Scarth (of Scarth) [1482] Sinclair (of Air) [1455] Sinclair (of Warsetter) [?] Tulloch (of Lambholm [1422] Yenstay (of Yenstay) [1509] Ness, Paplay and Yenstay are the names that have died out as family names. There are of course lots of other Orkney names, but what these families did to be set apart I hesitate to speculate... Cheers Steven (Heddle) ----- Original Message ----- From: stephen davie To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:51 PM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Re (Orcadia) Handy reference information IT IS difficult if not impossible, for people from afar to conceive the breadth and depth of the historic ties between Canada and Orkney. Seems like every "old" northern community has Orcadians at the roots. The point is that for several generations, Orkney farms gave up their sons and grandsons to come out here with the company, and the large part simply never returned home. The first of my relatives started that migration in the very early 1700's, maybe even earlier, and the last came out in the late 1800's....all with the HBC. Some went home, then missed this place and came out again to stay for good. When I go to Orkney and stand on Wyre or Grimbister or Davie's brig, i get mixed emotions about the Hudson's Bay Company. For while their romantic exploits in exploring this vast land were and are impressive and exciting and wild and free spirited, the men from Orkney were engaged like work horses. The few rations and slim they received for the dangerous and demanding work they did was in many cases the bare minimum compensation and less than fair. Unlike the Brits and many of the southern Scots, you could drop an Orkneyman off with a gun, powder and ball and a few bags of dried peas and a keg of rum, and return a year later to find an encampment and a store of furs. Maybe a few mixwd race bairn too. The 60th parallel life in Orkney was excellent for producing a hardy rugged sort of person, and their water skills were simply undeniable. The massive recruitment drive for Orkneymen became a resented thing in Orkney. I just sold my home ( that has outgrown my single needs) to a fellow and his kin of old country roots here in Ontario, for example, and his heritage is Rendall from Orkney. Orkney is everywhere, and the point is that there are vastly more people with Orkney roots here than will ever live in Orkney itself. Vastly more. I have looked at the recruitment numbers of young men, and they came here with their hormones raging and their health in top form. There are probably a thousand native indian Isbisters here, for example. Orkneymen were huge here, and their genetic footprint is massive. History doesn't seem to underline that somehow. While there are many Orkney names on towns, try looking in the phonebooks! Cheers......Stephen On Sep 30, 2007, at 11:06 AM, R GARSON wrote: > Here are some Canadian place names with Orkney connections. > Rae's Strait after Dr John Rae. > Towns of Garson Manitoba and Garson Ontario after William Garson, > politician and contractor, born in Orkney > Also in Ontario, St Ola, Kirkwall and Stromness. > In Alberta, Orkney Hills, Scapa, > In Saskatchewan, Maeshowe, Little Orkney and Birsay. > In British Columbia, Hope may have been named from St Margaret's > Hope. > Other names worldwide at http://users.tpg.com.au/isanders/orkney/ > emigration.html > > Ronald Garson in Ottawa > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Fascinating. We look at the standing stones for example, without a real clear understanding of their meaning. There are carvings in the stone of St. Rognveld's Alter in the Cathedral, but it seems that they are a twentieth century addition/renovation. I have tried to get a handle on those carvings, especially the round four corner cross one on the left pillar, but there is no information other than they are a re-do. Here in this part of Canada, there are bronze sculptors....huge outdoor ones, to celebrate Samuel de Champlain and the Three Christian Martyrs as well as native personalities in a local park. The point is, those sculptures were established hundreds of years later without any visual reference to what the faces looked like, and yet they are so powerful as they came from the mind of one who researched them, was involved emotionally, and then produced what was felt to be appropriate or representative. This poetic license brings forth some of the best. Our west coast natives, the Haida and others, seem to own the exclusive to wood sculpture here, although the six nations people did wonderful face masks, notably door keepers and the big lipped lady from the false face society who would blow ashes on a sick person. Then the Inuit in the north are responsible for presenting those magnificent soapstone carvings to the world. Without knowing what medium you work in, it could be suggest perhaps, that a stone carving on a good big solid foundation, might be a great way to start out, and if the government there doesn't "get it" then I am sure that ordinary citizens around the world would contribute. You have raised a very valid point in a very sensitive area. I see great jewelry from Orkney, but big bold proud public sculptures are something that many people from many quarters would admire and appreciate. Thanks for your remark. Very thought provoking. Stephen On Sep 30, 2007, at 10:40 PM, Tuck wrote: > All, > > The Holm totem pole is a wonderful link across the seas, and will > certainly be a sight to see in the years to come. As a sculptor, I am > glad to see it become a part of the Orkney landscape. > > One thing I do feel about Orkney, though, is a sad lack of public > sculpture. With so much history, and so many amazing people who made > that history, why are there no sculptures to memorialize them? Where > is a sculpture of St. Magnus, just for starters? At the site of his > martyrdom there is a stone plinth which seems to cry out for an image > of him to stand against the sky. And such an image could be easily > cast twice, the second of which ought to stand before the Cathedral. > > Where are sculptures of Thorfinn or the other Earls? We look in vain > for images of the many explorers who sailed from Orkney shores, some > to return, many not, but sons of Orkney still. And what of the many > writers and artists who have spread their love for Orkney around the > world? How sad their faces are absent in their own home isles. > > Orkney is not without funds, especially with BP situated there, and > with the Scottish Arts Council. Does anyone have the will to begin > the drive to grace the islands with images of the many colorful, > important, and truly amazing people these Islands have bred? > > Tuck > > PS: In Reykjavik, Iceland, I could not fine a place to stand where I > could NOT see a public sculpture. To the best of my knowledge, Orkney > has only one, a piece on the north end of Stromness. For island so > full of art, this is a shame. > > > On Sep 30, 2007, at 6:35 PM, Steven Heddle wrote: > >> Stephen's message is topical as the parish of Holm has just erected >> a totem pole carved by the community in conjunction with the >> expertise and guidance of visitors from the Squamish First Nation, >> see http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/imagelibrary/list.asp? >> field=groups&crit=45 for some pictures of the event, and the >> associated ceremony. Our visitors (humourously) expressed awe at >> the wind here, and surprise that we would want to live with such >> weather (although I haven't noticed it being particularly windy the >> last two weeks- they should visit here in January...). But the >> point is that everybody seemed to have got on well and enjoyed the >> experience. >> >> Regarding what is an Orkney name, we could debate this for a while, >> the subject being confused by the immigration and emigration that >> has constantly taken place. A less contentious place to start is by >> reference to J.Storer Clouston(yes 'The Spy in Black' writer)'s >> book 'Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299-1614' where he records >> the names of the 25 'roithman' families which had extra rights >> under Udal Law, including the right of redemption (of property). Of >> the 22 distinct names all but 3 still feature in the local phone >> book, and those three (I believe) still exist elsewhere through >> emigration. >> >> The names are listed below, with date of first written reference in >> square brackets- not much was actually written early on: >> >> Berstane (of Cletts) [1500,1514] >> Cragy (of Brough), now Craigie [1424] >> Cromarty (of Cara) [1479] >> Clouston (of Clouston) [1434] >> Corrigall (of Corrigall) [1489] >> Flett (of Netherbrough) [1424] >> Flett (of Hobbister and of Gruthay) [?] >> Fraser (of Tohop) [1438] >> Heddle (of Heddle) [1424] >> Halcro (of Halcro) [1509] >> Halcro (of Aikers) [1503] >> Ireland (of Ireland) [1369] (see earlier thread which pointed out >> the daftness of changing the name of the Mill of Ireland to the >> Mill of Eyrland) >> Irving (of Sabay), now Irvine [1369] (Washington Irving's family >> was from Shapinsay I believe- Pat Long will know better than me) >> Kirkness (of Kirkness) [1391] >> Linklater (of Linklater) [1424] >> Loutitt (of Lyking) [1500] >> Ness and Tulloch of Ness [1447] >> Paplay (of Paplay and Sands) [1550] >> Rendall (of Rendall) [1231] >> Sclater (of Burness) [1492] >> Scarth (of Scarth) [1482] >> Sinclair (of Air) [1455] >> Sinclair (of Warsetter) [?] >> Tulloch (of Lambholm [1422] >> Yenstay (of Yenstay) [1509] >> >> Ness, Paplay and Yenstay are the names that have died out as family >> names. There are of course lots of other Orkney names, but what >> these families did to be set apart I hesitate to speculate... >> >> Cheers >> >> Steven (Heddle) >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: stephen davie >> To: [email protected] >> Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:51 PM >> Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Re (Orcadia) Handy reference information >> >> >> IT IS difficult if not impossible, for people from afar to conceive >> the breadth and depth of the historic ties between Canada and >> Orkney. >> Seems like every "old" northern community has Orcadians at the >> roots. >> The point is that for several generations, Orkney farms gave up >> their >> sons and grandsons to come out here with the company, and the large >> part simply never returned home. The first of my relatives started >> that migration in the very early 1700's, maybe even earlier, and >> the >> last came out in the late 1800's....all with the HBC. Some went >> home, then missed this place and came out again to stay for good. >> When I go to Orkney and stand on Wyre or Grimbister or Davie's >> brig, >> i get mixed emotions about the Hudson's Bay Company. For while >> their >> romantic exploits in exploring this vast land were and are >> impressive >> and exciting and wild and free spirited, the men from Orkney were >> engaged like work horses. The few rations and slim they received >> for >> the dangerous and demanding work they did was in many cases the >> bare >> minimum compensation and less than fair. Unlike the Brits and >> many of >> the southern Scots, you could drop an Orkneyman off with a gun, >> powder and ball and a few bags of dried peas and a keg of rum, and >> return a year later to find an encampment and a store of furs. >> Maybe >> a few mixwd race bairn too. The 60th parallel life in Orkney was >> excellent for producing a hardy rugged sort of person, and their >> water skills were simply undeniable. The massive recruitment drive >> for Orkneymen became a resented thing in Orkney. >> I just sold my home ( that has outgrown my single needs) to a >> fellow >> and his kin of old country roots here in Ontario, for example, and >> his heritage is Rendall from Orkney. Orkney is everywhere, and the >> point is that there are vastly more people with Orkney roots here >> than will ever live in Orkney itself. Vastly more. I have looked at >> the recruitment numbers of young men, and they came here with their >> hormones raging and their health in top form. There are probably a >> thousand native indian Isbisters here, for example. >> Orkneymen were huge here, and their genetic footprint is massive. >> History doesn't seem to underline that somehow. >> >> While there are many Orkney names on towns, try looking in the >> phonebooks! >> >> Cheers......Stephen >> >> >> On Sep 30, 2007, at 11:06 AM, R GARSON wrote: >> >>> Here are some Canadian place names with Orkney connections. >>> Rae's Strait after Dr John Rae. >>> Towns of Garson Manitoba and Garson Ontario after William Garson, >>> politician and contractor, born in Orkney >>> Also in Ontario, St Ola, Kirkwall and Stromness. >>> In Alberta, Orkney Hills, Scapa, >>> In Saskatchewan, Maeshowe, Little Orkney and Birsay. >>> In British Columbia, Hope may have been named from St Margaret's >>> Hope. >>> Other names worldwide at http://users.tpg.com.au/isanders/orkney/ >>> emigration.html >>> >>> Ronald Garson in Ottawa >>> >>> _______________________________________ >>> Orcadia Group Photo Album >>> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >>> ------------------------------- >>> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >>> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >>> in the subject and the body of the message >> >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message >> _______________________________________ >> Orcadia Group Photo Album >> http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- >> [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes >> in the subject and the body of the message > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message

Stephen's message is topical as the parish of Holm has just erected a totem pole carved by the community in conjunction with the expertise and guidance of visitors from the Squamish First Nation, see http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/imagelibrary/list.asp?field=groups&crit=45 for some pictures of the event, and the associated ceremony. Our visitors (humourously) expressed awe at the wind here, and surprise that we would want to live with such weather (although I haven't noticed it being particularly windy the last two weeks- they should visit here in January...). But the point is that everybody seemed to have got on well and enjoyed the experience. Regarding what is an Orkney name, we could debate this for a while, the subject being confused by the immigration and emigration that has constantly taken place. A less contentious place to start is by reference to J.Storer Clouston(yes 'The Spy in Black' writer)'s book 'Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299-1614' where he records the names of the 25 'roithman' families which had extra rights under Udal Law, including the right of redemption (of property). Of the 22 distinct names all but 3 still feature in the local phone book, and those three (I believe) still exist elsewhere through emigration. The names are listed below, with date of first written reference in square brackets- not much was actually written early on: Berstane (of Cletts) [1500,1514] Cragy (of Brough), now Craigie [1424] Cromarty (of Cara) [1479] Clouston (of Clouston) [1434] Corrigall (of Corrigall) [1489] Flett (of Netherbrough) [1424] Flett (of Hobbister and of Gruthay) [?] Fraser (of Tohop) [1438] Heddle (of Heddle) [1424] Halcro (of Halcro) [1509] Halcro (of Aikers) [1503] Ireland (of Ireland) [1369] (see earlier thread which pointed out the daftness of changing the name of the Mill of Ireland to the Mill of Eyrland) Irving (of Sabay), now Irvine [1369] (Washington Irving's family was from Shapinsay I believe- Pat Long will know better than me) Kirkness (of Kirkness) [1391] Linklater (of Linklater) [1424] Loutitt (of Lyking) [1500] Ness and Tulloch of Ness [1447] Paplay (of Paplay and Sands) [1550] Rendall (of Rendall) [1231] Sclater (of Burness) [1492] Scarth (of Scarth) [1482] Sinclair (of Air) [1455] Sinclair (of Warsetter) [?] Tulloch (of Lambholm [1422] Yenstay (of Yenstay) [1509] Ness, Paplay and Yenstay are the names that have died out as family names. There are of course lots of other Orkney names, but what these families did to be set apart I hesitate to speculate... Cheers Steven (Heddle) ----- Original Message ----- From: stephen davie To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:51 PM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Re (Orcadia) Handy reference information IT IS difficult if not impossible, for people from afar to conceive the breadth and depth of the historic ties between Canada and Orkney. Seems like every "old" northern community has Orcadians at the roots. The point is that for several generations, Orkney farms gave up their sons and grandsons to come out here with the company, and the large part simply never returned home. The first of my relatives started that migration in the very early 1700's, maybe even earlier, and the last came out in the late 1800's....all with the HBC. Some went home, then missed this place and came out again to stay for good. When I go to Orkney and stand on Wyre or Grimbister or Davie's brig, i get mixed emotions about the Hudson's Bay Company. For while their romantic exploits in exploring this vast land were and are impressive and exciting and wild and free spirited, the men from Orkney were engaged like work horses. The few rations and slim they received for the dangerous and demanding work they did was in many cases the bare minimum compensation and less than fair. Unlike the Brits and many of the southern Scots, you could drop an Orkneyman off with a gun, powder and ball and a few bags of dried peas and a keg of rum, and return a year later to find an encampment and a store of furs. Maybe a few mixwd race bairn too. The 60th parallel life in Orkney was excellent for producing a hardy rugged sort of person, and their water skills were simply undeniable. The massive recruitment drive for Orkneymen became a resented thing in Orkney. I just sold my home ( that has outgrown my single needs) to a fellow and his kin of old country roots here in Ontario, for example, and his heritage is Rendall from Orkney. Orkney is everywhere, and the point is that there are vastly more people with Orkney roots here than will ever live in Orkney itself. Vastly more. I have looked at the recruitment numbers of young men, and they came here with their hormones raging and their health in top form. There are probably a thousand native indian Isbisters here, for example. Orkneymen were huge here, and their genetic footprint is massive. History doesn't seem to underline that somehow. While there are many Orkney names on towns, try looking in the phonebooks! Cheers......Stephen On Sep 30, 2007, at 11:06 AM, R GARSON wrote: > Here are some Canadian place names with Orkney connections. > Rae's Strait after Dr John Rae. > Towns of Garson Manitoba and Garson Ontario after William Garson, > politician and contractor, born in Orkney > Also in Ontario, St Ola, Kirkwall and Stromness. > In Alberta, Orkney Hills, Scapa, > In Saskatchewan, Maeshowe, Little Orkney and Birsay. > In British Columbia, Hope may have been named from St Margaret's > Hope. > Other names worldwide at http://users.tpg.com.au/isanders/orkney/ > emigration.html > > Ronald Garson in Ottawa > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

what they did was to be successful. these families would have been the main urisland holders of the time- viking landowners. ----- Original Message ---- From: Steven Heddle <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, 30 September, 2007 11:35:09 PM Subject: [ORCADIA] Names and links with Canada (was: Re (Orcadia) Handy reference information) Stephen's message is topical as the parish of Holm has just erected a totem pole carved by the community in conjunction with the expertise and guidance of visitors from the Squamish First Nation, see http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/imagelibrary/list.asp?field=groups&crit=45 for some pictures of the event, and the associated ceremony. Our visitors (humourously) expressed awe at the wind here, and surprise that we would want to live with such weather (although I haven't noticed it being particularly windy the last two weeks- they should visit here in January...). But the point is that everybody seemed to have got on well and enjoyed the experience. Regarding what is an Orkney name, we could debate this for a while, the subject being confused by the immigration and emigration that has constantly taken place. A less contentious place to start is by reference to J.Storer Clouston(yes 'The Spy in Black' writer)'s book 'Records of the Earldom of Orkney 1299-1614' where he records the names of the 25 'roithman' families which had extra rights under Udal Law, including the right of redemption (of property). Of the 22 distinct names all but 3 still feature in the local phone book, and those three (I believe) still exist elsewhere through emigration. The names are listed below, with date of first written reference in square brackets- not much was actually written early on: Berstane (of Cletts) [1500,1514] Cragy (of Brough), now Craigie [1424] Cromarty (of Cara) [1479] Clouston (of Clouston) [1434] Corrigall (of Corrigall) [1489] Flett (of Netherbrough) [1424] Flett (of Hobbister and of Gruthay) [?] Fraser (of Tohop) [1438] Heddle (of Heddle) [1424] Halcro (of Halcro) [1509] Halcro (of Aikers) [1503] Ireland (of Ireland) [1369] (see earlier thread which pointed out the daftness of changing the name of the Mill of Ireland to the Mill of Eyrland) Irving (of Sabay), now Irvine [1369] (Washington Irving's family was from Shapinsay I believe- Pat Long will know better than me) Kirkness (of Kirkness) [1391] Linklater (of Linklater) [1424] Loutitt (of Lyking) [1500] Ness and Tulloch of Ness [1447] Paplay (of Paplay and Sands) [1550] Rendall (of Rendall) [1231] Sclater (of Burness) [1492] Scarth (of Scarth) [1482] Sinclair (of Air) [1455] Sinclair (of Warsetter) [?] Tulloch (of Lambholm [1422] Yenstay (of Yenstay) [1509] Ness, Paplay and Yenstay are the names that have died out as family names. There are of course lots of other Orkney names, but what these families did to be set apart I hesitate to speculate... Cheers Steven (Heddle) ----- Original Message ----- From: stephen davie To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:51 PM Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Re (Orcadia) Handy reference information IT IS difficult if not impossible, for people from afar to conceive the breadth and depth of the historic ties between Canada and Orkney. Seems like every "old" northern community has Orcadians at the roots. The point is that for several generations, Orkney farms gave up their sons and grandsons to come out here with the company, and the large part simply never returned home. The first of my relatives started that migration in the very early 1700's, maybe even earlier, and the last came out in the late 1800's....all with the HBC. Some went home, then missed this place and came out again to stay for good. When I go to Orkney and stand on Wyre or Grimbister or Davie's brig, i get mixed emotions about the Hudson's Bay Company. For while their romantic exploits in exploring this vast land were and are impressive and exciting and wild and free spirited, the men from Orkney were engaged like work horses. The few rations and slim they received for the dangerous and demanding work they did was in many cases the bare minimum compensation and less than fair. Unlike the Brits and many of the southern Scots, you could drop an Orkneyman off with a gun, powder and ball and a few bags of dried peas and a keg of rum, and return a year later to find an encampment and a store of furs. Maybe a few mixwd race bairn too. The 60th parallel life in Orkney was excellent for producing a hardy rugged sort of person, and their water skills were simply undeniable. The massive recruitment drive for Orkneymen became a resented thing in Orkney. I just sold my home ( that has outgrown my single needs) to a fellow and his kin of old country roots here in Ontario, for example, and his heritage is Rendall from Orkney. Orkney is everywhere, and the point is that there are vastly more people with Orkney roots here than will ever live in Orkney itself. Vastly more. I have looked at the recruitment numbers of young men, and they came here with their hormones raging and their health in top form. There are probably a thousand native indian Isbisters here, for example. Orkneymen were huge here, and their genetic footprint is massive. History doesn't seem to underline that somehow. While there are many Orkney names on towns, try looking in the phonebooks! Cheers......Stephen On Sep 30, 2007, at 11:06 AM, R GARSON wrote: > Here are some Canadian place names with Orkney connections. > Rae's Strait after Dr John Rae. > Towns of Garson Manitoba and Garson Ontario after William Garson, > politician and contractor, born in Orkney > Also in Ontario, St Ola, Kirkwall and Stromness. > In Alberta, Orkney Hills, Scapa, > In Saskatchewan, Maeshowe, Little Orkney and Birsay. > In British Columbia, Hope may have been named from St Margaret's > Hope. > Other names worldwide at http://users.tpg.com.au/isanders/orkney/ > emigration.html > > Ronald Garson in Ottawa > > _______________________________________ > Orcadia Group Photo Album > http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ORCADIA- > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message