Whit’s on this weekend?

Shopping Week

Folk heading to Stromness this will be hoping the sunny weather holds, so they can make the most of what’s left of Shopping Week 2019.

There will be plenty of activities for all ages, as well as the usual stalls and food stands at the pier head, throughout Friday and Saturday.

Highlights on Saturday are set to include the Holms Race at 11am, the Stromness Rocks Treasure Hunt between 10am and 1pm, a five-a-side football competition at 11am, a children’s fancy dress three-legged race at the pier head at 12pm, and of course the annual Tableau and Fancy Dress Parade at 7pm.

Stromness Shopping Week will conclude with an open air dance at the pierhead, with music from Polkadots and Tenessee Wannabees.

Northvet Open Day

July 27, 2019 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Northvet will be holding an open day, this Saturday, 1-4pm, with face painting, homebakes, special guest animals and old veterinary equipment on show.

Swandro Open Day

July 28, 2019 11:30 am - 4:30 pm

The archaeological dig at the Knowe of Swandro in Rousay will be open to the public on Sunday for a special open day. Tours of the site will be available from 11.30am until 4.30pm.

Hoy Poultry and Produce Show

July 27, 2019 2:00 pm

While what is known as Orkney’s “show week” may just be around the corner, the first of the county’s shows will actually take place this coming weekend, as the Hoy Poultry and Produce Show kicks off this Saturday.

The show is now in its 21st year, with the bulk of the displays and competitions in the Hoy Centre and the birds in a cattle float outside the Hoy Kirk.

There is plenty to see at the event and it is a great time to visit the island, as local folk get behind the event, attending and competing.

There will be displays of vegetables, poultry, photography, jams, flowers and much more in the centre and three new trophies added in memory of people who have contributed to the show over the years — the Margaret Franks trophy, for arts and crafts, the Cathy Clarke trophy which is awarded for an exhibit in a different section each year, and the Elsie Seatter prize for the best rose.

The organisers have said the attendance at the show has continued to be very good in recent years and it has impressive baking and flower displays.

There will also be the popular tattie-in-the-bag competition and prizes presented to children across a variety of sections.

Competitors will be given access to the venues between 8pm and 9pm on the Friday before the show and from 9am on the Saturday. Judging will take place at 11am, with the centre and the kirk to open their doors to the public at 2pm. The prize giving and raffle will be held at 3pm.

St Magnus Way Unveiling

July 27, 2019

This Saturday will see the unveiling of a new interpretation board and marker stone for the Finstown to Orphir section of the St Magnus Way.

A short commissioning — of the board designed by Iain Ashman, and a marker stone made by Frances Pelly — will be held at the Finstown Car Park at 10am. The commissioning will be done by the Rev Susan Kirkbride and Jocky Wood.

This will be followed by a free guided walk from the Finstown carpark to the Orphir Church. The theme for this walk is “forgiveness”. All are welcome to attend the ceremony and walk.

Organisers have advised that walkers wishing to leave their cars at the end of the walk should have their car at the Orphir Church by 9.30am, where arrangements will be made to get them to the start of the walk. Walkers will need stout footwear, suitable clothing, a packed lunch, and adequate drinks.

The walk is 10.5 miles long and will take between 5-7 hours. Tea and coffee will be provided at the Orphir Church at the end of the walk. More details on this section of the St Magnus Way are in the route section of www.stmagnusway.com