"In a message dated 10/9/2009 8:52:50 A.M. Central Daylight Time, charles.tait@zetnet.co.uk writes: By the way this was not really a tragedy, though the deaths of so many of the crew was certainly tragic for their families. message" I meant, of course, tragic for the individuals involved and the families who lost loved ones and have been observing the remembrance of them for decades since. It would seem like the greatest effect for Orkney would be the influence to create the barriers. I once asked someone who was opposed to any bridges or tunnels to connect the remaining islands how people had felt about the barriers being built and the change it made in their island society. He replied, "well, there really wasn't any choice." I thought, no, but now they don't want to be told they can't cross them in stormy weather. What would they say to removing the connections? It's interesting to ponder the difference it makes on the society of those formerly "independent" islands. I understand why people question the proposals to connect their island to another, event those as close as Westray and Papa Westray. Another media note, Music Matters on BBC Radio 3, Saturday 12:15 has a program on Sir Peter Maxwell Daives including the influence of Scotland and Orkney on his work, and his life in the islands. _BBC - BBC Radio 3 Programmes - Music Matters, Peter Maxwell Davies_ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00n6t8b)