(Redirected by "Sigurd Towrie" <sigurd@orkneyjar.com>) *********** BEGIN REDIRECTED MESSAGE *********** So the truth is finally out - it was the Stromnessians who did for the last of the trees in Orkney! Seriously I doubt the game "died out" without substantial encouragement from the "powers that be". Woe betide any such who try in Kirkwall. The game is hard fought but fairly and the players are very good at avoiding each other serious injury. Just the occasional broken rib, collar bone, even leg (heard the crack). Those from outside the toon mostly cannot understand what all the fuss is about. As to loyalty to sides that generally runs in families these days, and incomers would play on the side of their friends usually. Many take great care as to how they bring their new born progeny home so that they enter the town on whatever is the right side of the Market Cross to them. The Doonies are referred to as "Shorey Boys" and the tale goes that many Ba's being thrown up by a Doonie get a bit of a dip in the basin the night before, while Uppies will touch the wall at Mackinson's Corner with it. Of course none of this has any effect on the outcome which depends solely on the skill (yes) of the players as well as their numbers, endurance, the weather and so on. Much recommended as is Orkney in general out of season. For example today was great with a lovely sunset. -- Charles Tait Photographic Limited, Kelton, St Ola, Orkney, UK KW15 1TR Tel 01856 873738 Fax 01856 875313 Mobile 07785 220269 All outgoing and incoming mail is checked by Norton Antivirus 2003 email charles.tait@zetnet.co.uk website http://www.charles-tait.co.uk *********** END REDIRECTED MESSAGE ***********