Orkney International Science Festival officially underway
They are holding a special stone which has been carried along the length of the St Magnus Way
(www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)
In a break from tradition, the official opening of the 2017 Orkney International Science Festival moved out of Kirkwall this morning, taking place instead within the Orphir Church, in an event which also marked the launch of the final leg of the St Magnus Way Pilgrimage.
The church was the venue for the opening launch and talk by travel writer Christopher Somerville, whose walks column in The Times takes him across Europe for classic walks, from Sweden to Spain and from Faroe to Crete, as well as much closer to home.
Mr Somerville has spent 25 years writing and broadcasting about country walks, and written 36 books. He was making a return to Orkney, having first visiting the islands back in 1989, and “falling in love with the place.”
He said that he was very much looking forward to taking part in the walk to Kirkwall from Orphir.
It was Rev David McNeish, the chair of Orkney Pilgrimage, who introduced Mr Somerville at the launch.
Rev McNeish also spoke after Mr Somerville finished his opening, and the two held a short question and answer session.
He thanked all those who gathered for being part of the day, and spoke of the journey of the St Magnus Way Pilgrimage from its inception, to where they were at that moment, approaching the end.
Those gathered then moved outside to begin the walk, after enjoying bacon rolls and cups of hot drinks, which were also enjoyed by pupils from Orphir School who then returned to class.