Three venues for ‘Billy’s Night Oot’

The annual Orkney film archive programme – Billy’s Night Oot – in memory of local projectionist Billy Scollie, gets under way tonight, Friday.

This year, the event has more than one premiere in a bill of Orkney films by John Findlay.

Over many years, John has recorded aspects of Orkney life, from his annual filming of the Ba’ to regular visits to Swona with his camera.

His films will be shown in the Pickaquoy Centre tonight and the Cromarty Hall and the Gable End Theatre tomorrow, Saturday.

The 2016 Men’s New Year’s Day Ba’ captures all of the action of the day, from the start to finish, and its first public showing can be seen on the big screen.

Another film captures the spirit of the day and night of MagFest 2008, as artistes from many places joined together to perform incredible stunts not only in front of St Magnus Cathedral, but also above the ground.

Dave Gray narrates John’s latest film, about life on Swona and its unique herd of cattle, and to mark the centenary of its commissioning, there is underwater footage of HMS Royal Oak, filmed by John’s longtime collaborator, Peter Rowlands.

There is also a small tribute to James Petrie Chalmers — an important figure of the early film industry, on the 150th anniversary of his birth.