May Soulka 2013

Sanday Community Association hosted the Orkney Folk Festival's Soulka Ceilidh and gave a great start to the weekend on Friday night.

Here are Halina and Aidan...

...and Basco...

The Hall was packed...

...and The Dirty Beggars concluded the concert

On Saturday morning Evan Williams welcomed visitors to his model railway at Tangarth...

...and several art and craft studios, galleries and workshops were open. Here is Beverley Singer with the first visitors to her studio at Viggar. 

The Guides, Brownies and Rainbows decided to open their annual Sale with a choreographed Playground Dance...

...and a group with both residents and visitors made the first Lighthouse trip of the season...

...where the youngest balconeer, James, launched the Soulka parachute-man for his first jump.

Finally, we were treated to virtuoso performances on piano, flute, guitar and song from Catherine and Tim Shimwell. They asked that any donations should be for the TEAR Fund Syrian Crisis Appeal - and £175 will be sent.

On Sunday morning this Shelduck and family were hurrying north...

...in the direction of Galileee, where Ann Butler's willow sculptures were on display. Here, Charlie guards the birds...

Well over 80 enjoyed a superb cruise along the east coast of Stronsay and right around Auskerry

On board were two experts, John Holloway - Stronsay's birdman - told us about the island's seabirds, and sea mammals (and both Puffins and Porpoises made appearances)...

... and Teresa Probert, who with husband and three boys make up 100% of Auskerry's population. Teresa pointed out her home...

... her husband Simon (on the crest of the hill)...

... and told us about the landmarks, events and history of her island.

After a packed weekend blessed by beautiful weather, there were roast dinners to be enjoyed back at the Community School, where the cooks and waiters and waitresses were raising funds for the Christmas Tree party.

Just before boat-time, the raffle was drawn - and here was just one of the many prizes given by residents and visitors. Many thanks to them all.