Westside Church, Tuquoy

Woke to another gorgeous sunrise and wonderful light on the water. A lot breezier though so felt a wee bit chilly. Did the walk from Tuquoy to the Mae Sands. This takes you past the ruinous Westside Church. It is maintained by Historic Scotland which says,

"Westside Church at Tuqouy is probably a Norse construction, dating to the 1100s. The Orkneyinga saga suggests that it was built by Haflidi Thorkelsson, whose farm was in the field next to the church.

Today the church stands as a roofless ruin, though its beautiful simplicity still shows through. It’s surrounded by a graveyard, which is maintained by the local community."

It certainly is in a very beautiful spot. Our walk took us near West Manse where we stayed for a week in 2008. You can see it in the first extra, perched on the cliff. We called in and were delighted to be greeted by Sandy who immediately made us coffee. Very pleasing to learn that Sandy and Willie's dog Charlie, Otter's great pal 10 years ago,  is still going strong. It was really nice to catch up on the news.

Interestingly Sandy and Willie now have a beautiful cottage for holiday let in the village;  St Clair Cottage. It has been made fully accessible and dementia friendly with room for a family or friend carer and for someone who needs a bit of (or indeed a lot of) care, help or assistance. We had a look round it this afternoon and feel sure it will be a great holiday destination for anyone at all but particularly for someone who needs a thoughtfully adapted (but non-medical) place for a holiday. There's even a sea water hot tub under construction.

Fitted in a walk at Grobust (second extra). Waves!  

The light has changed a lot today - still spectacularly beautiful.

Out for a bar meal tonight. All that walking does give you an appetite.

Apologies for erratic comments just now. Can't blame the WiFi which is super fast and much better than home but too busy with holiday stuff!