1924 January 16 Orkney Herald
REPORTED PURCHASE OF SUNKEN GERMAN WARSHIPS.
LONDON FIRM TO UNDERTAKE WORK.
STROMNESS AS A SHIPBREAKING CENTRE.
As indicated by our London Letter in last week’s issue, the Admiralty have had before them at least two offers by salvage and ship-breaking companies for the raising of the sunken German warships in Scapa Flow. One of the tenders was from an American company, while the other, the successful firm, is Messrs Cox and Danks, Ltd., 168 Regent Street, London, with warehouses at Birmingham, Sheffield, and elsewhere.
We are informed on the best authority that Cox and Danks, Ltd., who are well known as extensive stockbrokers of a wide variety of engineering material, have bought from the Admiralty all the sunken warships in Scapa Flow (not previously sold), including the Hindenburg and Seidletz. Over a year ago this extensive firm took a lease of Queenborough port pier and the adjoining property, including offices, warehouse and dockyard equipment, with the intention of establishing a shipbreaking business on the site, and already two dreadnoughts moored there are rapidly being demolished. They are the Orion and Erin, listed for demolition under the Washington agreement.
[Queenborough Harbour is conveniently situated in North Kent where the rivers Swale, Medway & Thames meet.]
Some idea of the magnitude of the undertaking may be formed when it is stated that, unlike many other obsolete warships sold by the Admiralty, the Orion and Erin came into the hands of the shipbreakers as practically modern vessels, complete with all guns and fittings as commissioned. The Orion was laid down at Portsmouth in November 1909, and commissioned in January 1912. It is recorded that on her maiden cruise, when in the Bay of Biscay, she rolled 21 degrees. This rolling was attributable to her small bilge keels, measuring 6 feet only. In order to cure this defect she was, in 1912, fitted with improved bilge keels, which proved effective. During the Jutland battle the Orion was the only British warship left in Scapa Flow as a guardship. The Erin, a newer ship, was laid down by Vickers. Ltd., for Turkey, and taken over by Great Britain on the outbreak of hostilities.
The work of reducing this mass of metal to saleable material will be carried out under the supervision of Mr E. F. Cox, managing director of the firm, assisted by a staff of highly trained engineers. The plant in use is all of the latest. The oxy-acetylene cutters used on the job are of Messrs Cox and Danks’ own design. In a short interview which our Stromness correspondent had with Mr Cox, before leaving for the south on Saturday morning last, he learned that the work of lifting the sunken vessels will not commence before March. Meantime they will endeavour to get all necessary plant sent north. Preparations will also be made for a large staff of workmen and their comfort, and Stromness has been selected as the local headquarters of the firm for years to come.
The London correspondent of the “Press and Journal,” Aberdeen, writes: – The Admiralty contract for salving the German warships now at the bottom of Scapa Flow has been given to a firm which is directed by several energetic young men who have already shown a capacity for taking on big jobs. I was their guest at Queenborough the other day, and was shown over the huge German submarine dock they had bought from the Admiralty for breaking up. There were several prominent engineers present, and we admired the wonderful modern methods adopted to cut the great steel plates into scrap. The battleships Orion and Erin were moored close by, with keen acetylene flames hissing away through their armour plate. Engineer-Admiral Sir George Godwin described it as a pathetic funeral. He had assisted at the birth of both ships.
The “Press and Journal” also says: – Messrs Cox and Danks, shipbreakers, of Queenborough, [Sheerness], Kent, have secured the contract from the Admiralty for salving 68 vessels of the German fleet sunk at Scapa Flow.
1924 February 20 Orkney Herald
“SPEED THE PLOUGH”
ROUSAY. – The annual ploughing match of the Rousay Agricultural Society was held at Furse on the 12th inst., on a field kindly granted by Mr John Craigie. The morning, although dry, was very stormy and cold, but did not affect the turnout, which was one of the best seen in the island for a number of years, viz., 17 ploughs, including two champions. The ground was in good condition, and some good work was done. During the day the ploughmen were liberally supplied with refreshments, and when their work was done were entertained to dinner by Mr and Mrs Craigie.
The judges were Messrs John Work, Caskald, and Peter Swanney, Balfour Village, Shapinsay, who gave the work a thorough examination before giving a decision, and their awards are as follows: –
PLOUGHING. – Champions – 1 James Craigie, Falquoy; 2 James Smith, Banks, Frotoft; feering and finish, James Craigie. Ordinary – 1 and Highland Society’s medal, Malcolm Hourie, Saviskaill; 2 Robert Johnston, Trumland Farm; 3 James Lyon, Ervadale; 4 Robert Sinclair, Sketquoy; 5 Tom Marwick, Glebe; 6 Albert Munro, Broland; 7 James Grieve, Falldown; 8 John Leonard, Faraclett; 9 Alexander Donaldson, Quoys; 10 John Craigie, Furse.
GROOMING. – 1 Robert Johnston, 2 Alex. Donaldson, 3 John Craigie, 4 James Marwick, Langskaill; 5 John Leonard.
HARNESS. – 1 Robert Johnston, 2 John Craigie, 3 Malcolm Hourie, 4 John Leonard, 5 William Corsie, Knarston.
SPECIAL PRIZES. – Youngest ploughman, Hugh Sinclair, Cogar; feering, Robert Johnston; finish, Malcolm Hourie; best feering on the field, Robert Johnston; best finish on the field, James Craigie; straightest ploughing, James Craigie; cup for best ploughed rig, Malcolm Hourie; most points in ploughing, grooming, and harness, Robert Johnston; best matched pair of mares, Wm. Corsie; heaviest pair of horses, John Craigie.
In the evening the judges, committee, and a few friends were hospitality entertained to tea by Mr and Mrs Craigie.
The society take this opportunity of thanking the donors of the special prizes; Mr John Craigie for placing the field at their disposal; the judges; Mr George Gibson, Avelshay, for visiting the field, thus enabling the society to obtain the Highland Society’s medal; Mr William Bertram, saddler, Kirkwall, for the silver medal for harness; Mr J. F. Groundwater, merchant, Kirkwall, for the silver medal for grooming; also all those who contributed to the funds of the society.
1924 March 5 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PRESENTATION. – In the district of Sourin a movement has been afoot for some weeks amongst the school children and their friends with the object in view of recognising in some way the work of Miss [Lydia] Baikie, schoolmistress, both in school for a number of years past and also in the social life of the district. This movement was heartily supported, with the result that on Thursday afternoon she was presented with a gold wristlet watch by a deputation of the senior girls. Elsie Inkster, Woo, speaking for all in a neat little speech, told how Miss Baikie’s work was appreciated, and Mary Leonard, Quoys, made the presentation in the presence of the school children and a few friends. Miss Baikie, in happily chosen sentences, suitably replied.
1924 March 26 Orkney Herald
SALVING THE GERMAN FLEET. – Mr E. F. Cox. of the firm of Cox & Danks, contractors for salving the German Fleet in Scapa Flow, arrived in Stromness with the mail steamer St Ola on Tuesday evening last week, and, along with a friend, made a round of the fleet on Wednesday, noting the position of each vessel and boarding the Hindenburg. Mr Cox said his manager and a number of skilled workmen, along with salvage vessels and a floating dock will arrive in Scapa Flow in the first week of April, and operations will commence about the middle of the month. The order in which the vessels will be lifted will be decided by the manager, who is an expert in salvage work. Mr Cox also said that the firm had received thousands of letters from workmen from all over applying for work. Mr Cox and friend left for the south on Thursday morning.
1924 April 9 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – SUCCESSFUL CONCERT. – On Friday evening a highly enjoyable concert was held in Wasbister School. The Rev. Roderick Fraser, minister of the parish of Rousay, presided over a large and appreciative audience, who had come Iong distances from all parts of the island to listen to the musical treat provided for them. The programme, which was varied and comprehensive, was as follows: – Selections, Messrs Clouston, Craigie, and Inkster; quartette, “The Village Chorister,” Mrs Moar and Mrs Marwick, Messrs Clouston and Sinclair; dialogue, “The New Farm Hand,” Misses Craigie and Sinclair, and Mr Hourie; trio, “Scotland Yet,” Messrs Sinclair, Clouston, and Inkster; solo, Mr J. Craigie; quartette, “The Battle of Stirling,” Mrs Moar and Mrs Marwick, Messrs Clouston and Sinclair; dialogue, “A Case for the Doctor,” Miss Craigie and Messrs Hourie and Sinclair; reading, Mr H. Sinclair; solo, Mr J. Clouston; dialogue, “Jemima Wins.” Misses Gibson, Leonard, Sinclair, Craigie, and Mr Hourie; duet. “Kentucky Home,” Messrs Clouston and Sinclair; solo. Miss Corsie; selections, Mr Stevenson; solo, Mr H. Sinclair; quartette, “Hark, Clanranald,” Mrs Moar and Mrs Marwick, Messrs Clouston and Sinclair. At the end of the musical programme, tea was served by a band of willing ladies and gentlemen, and greatly appreciated by the audience. The Rev. R. Fraser then proposed a vote of thanks to the artistes and committee, and Mr Robert Inkster proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was given with great heartiness. After tea, dancing commenced, and was kept up with zest for some time. Great praise is due to the organiser, Mr Robert Inkster, Cogar, and the worthy committee for the very capable arrangements they had made and for the pains and work they had taken to make the evening a time to be remembered and to be recalled with pleasure.
1924 April 16 Orkney Herald
THE WEATHER. – During the past week the weather in Orkney was of a very changeable nature. Up to Thursday there was an absence of wind, with bright sunshine, but the keen frosts every morning hindered vegetation, and grass lands are in consequence backward. Sowing, however, has been engaged in on a number of farms throughout the county. On Thursday night the weather took a disagreeable turn, and on Friday morning the higher hills wore a mantle of white. There were again showers of snow on Friday, but Saturday was sunny and cold. Sunday forenoon was fine, but towards mid-day there was a heavy shower of wet snow, followed by others in the early afternoon. The evening was again fine. On Monday rain and sleet fell practically all day, making conditions under foot anything but agreeable. Though there was a low barometer yesterday (Tuesday) morning, the weather was again fair, but cold.
1924 April 23 Orkney Herald
WELCOME HOME SOCIAL AT ROUSAY.
PRESENTATION TO REV. R. AND MRS FRASER.
On Thursday evening of last week, Sourin School was crowded out at the welcome home social arranged for the Rev. Roderick and Mrs Fraser. The Rev. George R. Murison, M.A., Stenness, occupied the chair, and was supported by the Rev. R. Richmond, of Shapinsay; the Rev. D. Brown, U.F. Church, Rousay; Mrs Brown and Miss Waterson; Mr John Inkster, registrar, and Mrs Inkster; members of session; Mr Lyon, of Ervadale, and Mr Fred Inkster, of Greenfield.
In his opening remarks the chairman referred to the happy events which had brought them together that evening – Mr Fraser’s induction and ordination, his sojourn amongst them, and his bringing home his bride.
The choir, under the able leadership of Mr Hugh Gibson of Bigland, rendered hymns, and several solos, trios and quartettes were given.
Mr Fred Inkster of Greenfield, session clerk, then addressed the meeting as follows: – Mr Chairman, ladies and gentleman, I would have preferred if the duty that I have been asked to perform here tonight had fallen to the lot of one more able to do justice to the occasion. However, since the honour has fallen to me, I would like, in the first place, to express my heartiest thanks to the congregation for conferring this honour on me, and I hope that I may, in expressing my sentiments, be expressing the true feelings of all the congregation and friends who have left nothing undone to make this evening a success. At the time of the induction of Mr Fraser, it was not possible for the congregation to give him the welcome they desired, but I am sure that Mr Fraser felt at the time that the welcome was sincere nevertheless. Mr Fraser, being a single man when he first came to us, we all expected that it would not be long before he would be taking unto himself a wife, and that, when he brought home the lady of his choice, we might then have an opportunity of giving them both a very warm welcome. Our expectations proved to be correct, for tonight we have with us the lady whom our esteemed minister has chosen to preside at the Manse, and we now take this opportunity of extending to her our best wishes for her future happiness at the Manse here in Rousay. Accordingly, the congregation, knowing that Mr Fraser would soon be bringing home his bride, wanted this opportunity to give them both a token of their good wishes and esteem. I am sure that I voice the opinion of all here tonight when I say that since Mr Fraser came amongst us in September we have been more and more drawn to him, and have learned to esteem his worth and character at the very highest. I am sure that the more we have been brought into contact with him and see and understand the sterling quality of his character and attainments, the higher he will rise in our estimation and respect. Our most earnest hopes are that he and his lady will be long spared to move in and out amongst us, and I can assure them both of a very hearty welcome in the homes of the people at any time. Mr and Mrs Frazer, I will now ask you to accept this wallet of Treasury notes, which have been subscribed by your congregation and friends. It is our earnest wish that you may both be long spared to move in and out amongst us and that you may find these very useful, and when you look back on this evening you may be reminded of the good wishes that prompted the action, and that you may never at any time have cause to regret casting in your lot with us here in Rousay. (Applause.)
Mr Fraser, in a few words, thanked all for their very great kindness to Mrs Fraser and himself, and expressed the wish that this happy social evening would serve as an indication of the good-will and fellowship which would exist between them and the people of the parish.
Tea was served by an able band of ladies and gentlemen, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The musical programme was then resumed.
On the call of the Rev. R. Fraser, a rousing vote of thanks was accorded to the speakers and the choir, individually and collectively, and to the committee in charge of the tea. When the cheers had died down, Mr Fraser asked for a special cheer for the conductor of the choir, Mr Hugh Gibson, who, since taking over the leadership of the choir some months ago, has rendered yeoman service to the cause of music in the church, both by his interest and enthusiasm and by his particularly fine voice leading the praise.
Mr Inkster, Greenfield, then moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr Murison, which was accorded in a way which reflected the very high opinion held of Mr Murison by the people of Rousay. Mr Murison thanked the company, and made reference to Mr F. Inkster’s speech at the presentation, which he described – and justly so – as “the speech of the evening.” The proceedings were closed by singing Hymn 59 from Sankey’s collection, after which Rev. D. S. Brown pronounced the benediction.
1924 May 7 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – SERVICE OF PRAISE. – The children of Frotoft Sunday-school. under the efficient leadership of Mr D. Mackay, held a service of praise in the school-room on the evening of Sunday, April 27. Rev. D. S. Brown. M.A., was chairman of the meeting, and Rev. R. Fraser. E.C., was also present, who opened and closed the meeting with prayer. An interested and appreciative audience composed of the parents and friends of the children filled the school, and the collection was in aid of the children’s prizes for attendance. The service was greatly enjoyed by all present, as the children sang with freedom and power, while every detail of the arrangements was carried out in a way which was gratifying to see. Mr James Low, superintendent, in an able and evangelistic address, pressed upon the churches the spiritual needs and claims of their young people. Sunday-school prizes were given in the junior class to Ann Sinclair, Banks; John Marwick, Section 1; Rosie Leonard, Nearhouse; Annie Reid, Tratland; Ann Marwick, Section 1; Mabel Sinclair, Banks. Infant Class – James Marwick, Section 1; Hugh Marwick, Section 1; and to Sarah Smith, Section 2. Motto text cards were also distributed to each child in the Sunday-school. Also, in the League of Young Worshippers the first prize was given to Alfred Gibson, Classiquoy, with 46 attendances out of a possible fifty; the second to Ethel Gibson, Springfield, and the third to Annie Reid, Tratland, Frotoft. This Sunday-school has done excellent work during the year of its existence, and its infant class is in the capable hands of Miss Mainland, Cott.
1924 June 25 Orkney Herald
SCAPA FLOW SALVAGE.
FLOATING DOCK CUT AND PLACED ALONGSIDE DESTROYER
No time has been lost by the firm of Messrs Cox & Danks in their preparations for salving the German Fleet. During the last week the floating dock has been cut and placed in position for lifting the first destroyer, which vessel has already been raised to an upward position, her bridge being now in sight.
The remaining preliminary work of placing cables, etc., in position is now being carried out, and it is expected that in a few days, when the tides are suitable, that the first act in this huge enterprise will be carried out as a successful issue.
On Friday morning last a large hulk, in tow of a powerful tug, passed through Hoy Sound en route for Scapa Flow. It is reported in Stromness that the hulk referred to belongs to Mr Robertson, of Lerwick, and that he has taken the hulk to assist in lifting the four German destroyers purchased by him some time ago.
1924 July 9 Orkney Herald
PICNIC CANCELLED. – The picnic which was to be held at Rousay to-day (Wednesday) under the auspices of Paterson U.F. Church Bible-class has been cancelled.
THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. – During the past two weeks the weather in Orkney has, from a farmer’s point of view, been of a congenial nature, sunshine and shower alternatively, a condition of things which has made a marked difference on the crops during that time. From several districts we have received reports stating that the bere is ”shooting off.” Turnip singling is general, and as they are all coming on at the same time, farmers will have their hands full keeping them under. Peat carting, too, is being engaged in, carts laden with these being met on many roads on the Mainland.
1924 July 9 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY. – Mrs Grant, Trumland House, has presented a beautiful piano to the Frotoft School for the use of teacher and scholars. Mrs Grant’s gift is much appreciated by the teacher and scholars and the inhabitants of the district.
[Trumland House was in the hands of the Traill-Burroughs family trustees until 1922 when it was purchased by the Grant family of Highland Distilleries/Highland Park whisky distilling fame. The house was used as the summer residence for Mr Walter Gordon Grant, a director James Grant & Co and a board member of Highland Distilleries Co Ltd. Born in Elgin, Moray, in 1886, he lived at Hillhead, St Ola, just south of the Highland Park distillery, and on October 26th 1911 he married Florence Davidson of Viewforth, Kirkwall, daughter of shipping agent Charles Davidson and Mary Dickson Cowan Bain, who was fifteen years his senior.]
1924 July 30 Orkney Herald
SCOTTISH LAND COURT IN ORKNEY.
Sittings of the Scottish Land Court were held in Orkney Sheriff Court, Kirkwall, on Saturday and Monday. Mr Donald Mackay presided, and Mr W. A. A. Cairns was the assessor…..[On Monday, eight cases were down for hearing, five involving properties in South Ronaldsay – and three in Rousay, the first of which was written badly and did not make sense, so I omit it!]…..
ROUSAY MEAL MILL. – Alexander A. Marwick, Banks, Sourin, Rousay, asked for resumption of the entire holdings occupied by Robert Seatter.
Mr Morrice, who appeared for the applicant, said the ground officer had failed to turn up to give evidence in support of the application for resumption. It was desired to have resumption of two fields of the holding for the purpose letting them with the meal-mill. It was practically impossible to get a tenant for the mill because there was no ground with it. He asked for an adjournment.
Mr J. S. Cormack, for respondent, said the whole grounds upon which resumption was wanted was irrelevant.
The case was adjourned.
NOT OLD AT SEVENTY. – Robert Seatter, respondent in the previous case, asked leave to assign the holding of Banks, Sourin, to his son.
Applicant said he was declared a landholder in 1919. The rent was fixed at £43. The acreage was 65 acres arable and 40 acres outrun. He was 70 years of age.
Mr Morrice – You are a vigorous man?
Applicant – Not now.
Mr Morrice – Have you ever been ill?
Applicant – Not very often.
Mr Morrice – What is to hinder you to carry on this holding?
Applicant – It requires the steady work of two men.
Mr Morrice – When you were ill did you have a doctor?
Applicant – No, we don’t use a doctor unless we are very ill. (Laughter.)
The Chairman – Mr Morrice means to say that an Orkneyman of seventy years of age is as good as any other man of fifty.
Mr Morrice – Have you much money?
Applicant – It does not matter. I think I deserve a rest.
The Chairman – Is there not something in it – that a minister, when he reaches the age of seventy, applies for a colleague and successor? (Laughter.)
Applicant – I started working with a pair of horses when I was eleven years of age.
The Chairman – You think you have earned a rest?
Applicant – Yes.
The Chairman – One of the reasons why you ask the croft to be assigned to your son is old age, and Mr Morrice does not dispute that.
Applicant – He does. (Laughter.)
Mr Morrice – What wages did you pay your son?
Applicant – I don’t like to be impertinent, but I don’t think you have a right to ask that. He got as much as kept him going.
Mr Morrice – I don’t want to ask you any unnecessary or impertinent questions.
Applicant – I think you had better not, because I am becoming about fu’. (Loud laughter.)
1924 August 6 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PARISH CHURCH. – On Sunday evening the Sourin School was crowded by a congregation representative of Rousay and Egilshay, when a service was conducted by the Rev. Roderick Fraser, minister of the parish, and the Rev. W. R. Wood, of Manitoba, Canada, a distinguished native of Veira, read the lesson and addressed the meeting. Mr Wood left the parish over thirty years ago while still a lad in his early teens, and has had a very brilliant career in the Dominion, both as a pastor and as a politician. During his address, Mr Wood spoke on two points, Orkney and Canada. He contrasted the two places slightly, but his object was to find the best in both and understand how the other could use that best for its own moral and spiritual growth and development. In the life of the Orkneys, Mr Wood said that to him the outstanding good features were the (1) wise parental control, (2) the loyal and devoted observance of the Sabbath Day, and (3) the brotherliness, kindness, hospitality and splendid communal life of the Orkneys. Turning to Canada, he noted (1) the home and foreign missionary work of the Churches, (2) the Union of the Presbyterian bodies and the imminent union of Presbyterians and Methodists, and (3) the firm, decisive attitude taken by all churches in the matter of liquor control and Prohibition. Mr Wood’s address was listened to with rapt attention by the congregation, and he shook each warmly by the hand on leaving. We take this opportunity of publicly thanking our reverend friend for his helpful and inspiring message, and that his holiday among the haunts of his schooldays may be a very pleasant one.
[William Robertson Wood lived with his family on the 48-acre farm of Rusness in the 1880s]
1924 August 27 Aberdeen Press & Journal
ORCADIAN RECORDS. OLD CUSTOMS, ANCIENT HOUSES, AND FOLK LORE. – The members of the Orkney Antiquarian Society, if not numerous, are keenly enthusiastic. They compile records of much antiquarian and historical interest relating to parishes or islands, trace place-names to their primitive source, collect and sift traditions, explore and describe pre-historic or little-known antiquities, and collect relics of the by-gone past. Thus are valuable additions made to what is already known of these romantic northern isles.
Volume II of the Society’s Proceedings contains a number of fascinating papers. The late Venerable Archdeacon Craven, who was president the society, writes on some superstitions associated with the Bible. On one occasion he found a copy of the Scriptures in an otherwise empty house in Orkney, and was informed that it was placed there to keep the house from the devil. He also recalls that in his youth old people kept their few treasured papers inside the big Bible.
‘One woman in Kirkwall I heard of had some £20 in her Bible, thinking it safe in such a repository. Alas! faith being now dimmer, it is said a near relation heard of it and stole it. It is also said that the same man hid his money somewhere. It has never been found, as, after all, the precaution was thought to have brought down disaster on the thief.’
Mr J. Storer CIouston deals informatively with ancient Orkney houses, remarking that the subject of early Scottish houses, other than castles, has never been dealt with save in the most fragmentary way. He alludes to, among other dwellings, structure which he believes to be probably the oldest two-storey house in Orkney. It situated in the deserted district of Quendale, in Rousay, and was “abandoned in the year 1846 to the plover and the rabbits.” Further antiquarian notes on Rousay are contributed by Hugh Marwick, while Mr John Fraser is equally illuminating on the antiquities of Sandwick parish. Almost every interesting spot in the parish, he observes, is now easily accessible, as road-making has been most extensively carried out.
A paper by Mr Duncan J. Robertson will greatly interest the student of folklore. Of considerable historic and archaeological value is a series of extracts, some of them rather quaint, from an unpublished manuscript of the Rev. George Low, minister of Birsay, descriptive of Orkney, and written in 1773. This MS. was apparently designed as a sort of introduction to a “History of Orkney” from the earliest times. One extract reads:-
‘The Orkney people had a vast antipathy at mares; they would keep none, were affronted if they rode one, and the names they gave them were those of contempt.’
In these days, when the average length of life has been extended, and the question of “What shall we do with our grandfathers?” threatens to claim popular attention, it is interesting to note that many Orcadians 150 years ago lived to a good old age. Discussing longevity, Mr Low writes:-
‘I have observed many instances of great age even in our times, when luxury prevails more than formerly…..Numbers here live to an advanced age. I have known several, both men and women, above a hundred, the most of these, like Dean Swift [Stulbrugs], had lost their memory, and with it the particular number of their years, and with him we were obliged to compute them by what they remembered.’
The writer also points out that the Orcadians then differed much in their manners, their genius, and the bent of their inclinations from their neighbours on the mainland of Scotland. Their dress, as well as their language, was different, “more resembling those of the Danes and Norwegians, in whose power they were for a long time, than those of the Highlanders of Scotland.”
Other features of this volume are “The People and Surnames of Orkney,” “The Orkney Lands,” “The Orkney Baillie Courts,” and “Life and Work in Moorland Orcadia in Days of Old.”
1924 September 3 Orkney Herald
SALVAGE WORK AT SCAPA FLOW.
TWO MORE DESTROYERS RAISED.
On Friday Messrs Cox & Danks commenced operations on a third destroyer. Heaving from the [floating] dock started in the afternoon, and with favourable weather conditions the destroyer was towed into Mill Bay at high water. This is the third destroyer raised by the company. Work is also proceeding on another vessel, which the firm hope to be able to raise next week. The Scapa Flow Salvage Company, who have been working on a destroyer near Lyness Pier for the past few weeks, also began lifting on Friday. The vessel was taken into Ore Bay on Saturday. Divers are daily engaged on work on the Hindenburg, and it is reported that an attempt will be made to float the vessel within the next two or three months.
1924 September 24 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – SALE AND FÊTE. – Rousay was en fête on Friday, 12th September, when a grand bazaar was held in the Manse grounds in aid of the Parish Church funds. Favoured with brilliant weather, the sale was huge success, and the huge crowd gathered at the Manse testified to the popularity of the cause. The s.s. Orcadia brought a large number of friends to the sale from Kirkwall. Among those present were Mr and the Misses Robertson, Miss Shordiche and party from Trumland House; Mr and Mrs Walter Grant of Trumbland and Hillhead; Mrs and the Misses Haydon; Mrs Low, Mrs Burnet and Miss Burnet, Westness; Col. Balfour of Shapinsay. and Col. Crawford; Rev. R. Richmond, Shapinsay; Mrs Macpherson, Evie, and Mr Dawson, etc., etc. A large marquee was erected in the grounds, and here stalls and a welcome tea-room were found. The stallholders were: – Cakes and Sweets – Mrs Linklater, Curquoy, and Mrs Marwick, The Glebe; General and Fancy Goods – Mrs Jas. Lyon, Ervadale, and Miss Craigie of Furse. Produce and Household Goods – Miss Craigie, Veira Lodge, and Miss M. Craigie, Greenfield. Tea Room – Mrs Craigie, Cruar, and Mrs Craigie, Corse; Miss Jessie MacMillan and Miss Cathie MacMillan, Trumland House. The side-shows and sports, which were all exceedingly popular, were in charge of the Trumland House party. There were cocoanut shies, a bran pie, wheel of fortune, fishing pond, and square penny; and Mr T. Marwick of the Glebe had charge of a large wheel of fortune, which proved very popular with the men folk. Guessing competitions, etc., were engaged in very heartily, and the following are the prize-winners: – Number of peas in bottle, Mr Shields; cushion competition. Mrs Marwick, Breck; lamp competition, Miss Craigie, Triblo. The preparations for the sale were all carried out in six weeks, so the gratifying result of £62, after paying all expenses, is far more than the most imaginative ever dreamed of. Of the £62, about £4 was received in money donations, the remainder being made on the day of the sale. Great credit is due to the ladies’ committee (who were the stallholders) for the ungrudging efforts they made to assure the success of this first Rousay bazaar – for it is the first sale or bazaar in the history of the island. The committee desire to express their gratitude to all friends who gave so willingly, and especially to Mr Walter Grant and the Misses Robertson and Miss Shordiche for their kind interest.
1924 October 8 Orkney Herald
MOTOR BOAT FOR LAIRD OF TRUMLAND. – Messrs James Maxwell & Son, ship carpenters, Kirkwall, launched from their yard on Thursday a reconstructed motor yacht for Mr Walter Grant of Trumland, Rousay. Originally a ship’s boat, Messrs Maxwell have made her a trim little vessel by adding an upper stroke and decking in the forepart, in which there is now a nice little cabin. Messrs W. & J. Leslie, engineers, Kirkwall, installed a beautiful smooth-running Brooke motor, and on running a trial spin in the bay after launching she made over eight knots an hour.
1924 October 15 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – PARISH CHURCH – CHILDREN’S DAY. – In the Parish Church, Sunday was observed as Children’s Day by a special service. The children remained in church during the sermon instead of retiring to the vestry for the Sunday-school, which is held there every Sunday while the sermon is being preached. The Rev. Roderick Fraser, parish minister, gave a very appropriate and interesting address to the young, emphasising the need of attention to the routing out of little faults which he likened to the little foxes, basing his address on the Song of Solomon. ii., 15. He also impressed on the parents the influence of the home. At the end of the sermon, the Sunday-school text cards were given to the scholars by the minister. The sacrament of baptism was administered at the close of the service.
1924 October 22 Orkney Herald
SCAPA FLOW FIND. – The sixth German destroyer has been raised at Scapa Flow by Messrs Cox & Danks, the salvage contractors, of Regent Street, London, who have undertaken to raise 20 more destroyers and, in addition, two German battleships, the Hindenburg and Seydlitz. “We have found some very interesting things in these salvaged vessels,” said Mr G. Atkinson, a director of the firm. “One was a cat-o’-nine-tails with a German officer’s name on it.”
1924 November 19 Orkney Herald
ROUSAY – POPPY DAY. – Saturday, 8th November, was observed here as Poppy Day. The senior pupils attending Sourin and Frotoft Schools made their annual appeal on behalf of Earl Haig’s Fund, with the following gratifying results: – Sourin, £1 16s; Brinian and Frotoft, £2 4s 6d. The sum of £4 0s 6d has been forwarded to the head office of the Fund in Edinburgh.