Between Weathers

by McMillan, Ron; Bain, Aly

• ISBN13: 9781905207206
• ISBN10: 1905207204
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-15
• Publisher: Sandstone Pr Ltd

Summary

BETWEEN WEATHERS is the first all-new Shetland travel narrative since Victorian times. Ron McMillan spent weeks exploring scenic landmarks, archaeological treasure troves and remote islands. A travel writer for more than twenty years, he casts an inquisitive and witty eye over present-day Shetland to interweave the islands' history, archaeology and geology with observations on a remarkably hospitable society. Set amid fascinating locations and filled with stories skilfully told, this is a book for lovers of lyrical travel writing delivered with authority and irresistible humour.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Dedications Map of the Shetland Islands Foreword by Aly Bain PROLOGUE: GETTING THERE I. Northward bound in a Force 8 II. Mainland, the island LERWICK AND WEST MAINLAND I. A Czech welcome II. Da toon III. Fellow itinerants IV. Hitch-hiking revisited V. Two-time sooth-moothers PAPA STOUR I. Stone sentinels II. To Kirstan's holl and back III. A new hat for the fractious pastor FAIR ISLE I. North Atlantic woes II. You meet the nicest bank robbers on Fair Isle III. A roomful of bad beards IV. Knitting lessons V. Spinning wheels and butchered lambs VI. The weatherman and the Armada VII. One less windshield to wash VIII. Flight paths LERWICK AND VOE I. Divided loyalties II. Fourteen accordion bands III. boom/clump-chirp IV. In a young man's footsteps V. Mussels and membranes WHALSEY AND FETHALAND I. Bonnie Island II. The fridge, the soapstone and the walrus III. Hinterland economics THE ISLAND OF YELL I. Peat country II. The otter, the crofter and the cynic NORTHMAVINE AND BRAE I. NATO raiders and Johnnie Notions II. Geology made interesting III. Teacher man IV. South Atlantic salad days UNST I. A blether and a bus shelter II. Northernmost temporary northerner III. Out of the closet and into the brewery LERWICK The second worst driver in the world SOUTH MAINLAND I. Betty Mouat's frown II. The Braer bullet dodged III. ViKing, Hunny Bear and the Ness of Burgi IV. Solitude on St Ninian's V. Brochs, Bruces and house-burnings LERWICK Different strokes FOULA ISLAND I. Keeping the best to last? II. Glacially or overnight, things do change III. Through the ages IV. Eric's wide world V. Between weathers EPILOGUE: LERWICK FOR UP HELLY AA I. Traditions ancient and freshly painted II. Men in skirts, bearing blunt instruments