Photo Friday: Orkney obsession
July 10, 2009 by Caitlin
Filed under Featured, Places & Inspiration
Kirkwall, Orkney, UK; June 2009
In June 2009 work took me to the Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the north-west coast of Scotland. The Shetland Islands are nearby, a bit further north towards Norway.
I took the ferry from Aberdeen and landed in Kirkwall on the Orkney “mainland”, a pretty little town with the lovely St Magnus Cathedral and a charming working harbour. It’s small but it’s the biggest town in the islands and it has a great buzz to it, especially since I was there during the annual midsummer St Magnus Festival.
I particularly enjoyed taking pictures down at the habour. I think the wire boxes are traps for crabs – certainly Orkney crab was a regular feature on restaurant menus. I’m not sure about the boxes – they could be for storing the catch. I love the fact that they say “obsession” on the sides!
My digital camera is broken right now – this was shot on film with my old Pentax SLR. I had the films developed by Orkney Photographic in Kirkwall – who not only did a great job, but were exceptionally good value as well. I had 10 films developed and put onto two discs (but no prints). This would cost me at least £50 in London but it cost me a grand total of £19!
This post is part of Photo Friday, a weekly blogging feature on DeliciousBaby. Please click through to see all the submissions this week and guess what Debbie’s mystery photo is.




Harbour areas are always so productive for photographers. It obviously worked here.
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These shots reminds me of our trips to the eastern U.S. and Canada and the lobster traps on the docks. The “Obsession” sign could express my feelings about shellfish—love it! Great shots.
Even though digital photos are convenient, and you don’t worry about the expense of processing…I still miss shooting film.
Dominique´s last blog ..Photo Friday: Detroit’s Concert of Colors
Having just returned from Kirkwall myself, I agree, the word is “obsession”. Love the place, and the light (see my latest post).
Did you get the chance to explore Mainland and/or the outer isles?
Mikeachim´s last blog ..The Colours of 59 Degrees North
Hi Mike, I explored quite a bit around Mainland and also went out to Stronsay. Fascinating place. – Caitlin.