Must see No.3

Kirbuster Farm Museum

I'm ashamed to say that this is the first time we have made it to the Kirbuster museum. We've set out a few times but always been sidetracked by other things. Today however, as there was a storytelling and traditional skills, we managed to make it there.

The musem is based around a traditonal Orkney longhouse. Part of which is in an untouched 16th century state. The fire in the middle of these houses was in the middle of the house with only a stone back piece to channel the smoke up and out of a hole in the roof. Today there were people in period dress spinning and making bannocks on the peat fire. The air was thick with peat smoke. Which personally I love the smell of but it did make your eyes sting. We got to sample bannocks and cheese... delicious.

We then went through into the other parts of the house and ended up in a room which must have been quite posh in its day. I think it probably dated from late 19th/early 20th century. The room itself was interesting but what got me was the similarity of the layout of our own house to this. Although our house isn't quite so picturesque or as damp as this one. We could certainly picture how our house may have looked 100 years ago.

The storytelling was excellent. Tales of Giants and Trowies (fearies, to those not in the northern isles) and hogboons (bit like Doby the house elf from H.Potter). The kids were mesmerised. We then did the Trowie trail in the garden, a short story from a guide followed by finding clues hidden in the gnarled trees and bluebells.

Next we got to see how strawback chairs are made. Watched a man making Simmans (straw ropes) and got to make little reed knots. Which are a bit like corn dollies. There was also a farrier shoeing horses which Ruairidh was fascinated by.

In addition to all this were all the bits and pieces normally on display at the museum which was great to rummage around in. And a lovely garden full of bluebells, wild garlic, lily of the valley... and trees!

We will be going back soon. Even if it's just to find out what I need to do to restore my house to the 16th century. Anyone got a cauldron I can buy?

Must see tour so far:
1 - Italian Chapel
2 - The Gloup