Ancient Orkney

A day for visiting a few older parts of Orkney.
Our journey was halted by an oystercatcher baby that decided the middle of the road was the best place for a walk and then we spotted an owl flying over but we were soon on our way to Orphir Community café to meet Iainatcreel who had been let out for the day. We were disappointed not to meet CMC but she had made her escape to N. Ronaldsay (hope the day went well). We did get to taste the now famous and much talked about pistachio/lemon and courgette cake which was very tasty. Thank you to Iain and Baz the cat for the warm welcome ;0

After a visit to Creel HQ we went along to the Orkneyinga saga centre where we listened to a video of interesting tales of the Viking Sagas. We saw the Earls Bu remains of the manor house of the Earls of Orkney dating back to the 11th century.
Although not much remains there is plenty of history of murder in the drinkinh hall and where Earl Haraldr Maddadson hid from his enemies.

Next to the Bu is what remains of the round church of St Nicholas built in about 1123. After spending a penance on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for ordering the murder of Earl Magnus, Earl Hakon had this church built to represent the rotunda of the Church of the holy sepulchre which he saw in Jerusalem . However Earl Magnus ,later a saint , has the magnificent Magnus Cathedral left in his memory !

Seems strange that this out of the way place has so much history and possibly more to find out.

Also visited the Click Mill and had a walk on Evie beach.

Saw plenty of hares, Eiders with babies, arctic skuas, male and female hen harrier carrying prey.