And then there are the Christmas preparations....

I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do love a Mid-Winter Festival!  Time to eat, stay snug and look forward to the days getting longer.

So the shops in Orkney are getting dressed for the season.  Above is Shearer's in Kirkwall.  One of my most favourite shops.  Upstairs where in Spring and Summer seed crops are stored and sold, is now a cosy space to do some seasonal shopping.  The fire is lit, lots of goodies to buy and around are reminders of days long past, with oil lamps hanging from the rafters, and old tins reminding us of simpler days - Oxo - about the only way you could make gravy then!

And then there are the Christmas exhibitions.  The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness is one of my favourites, lots of artists, both professional and "amateur" submit work for the exhibition.  Lots of lovely things in different media. Some conventional others more avant garde.

And I loved this display made by a recently graduated art student.  I can't remember her name! I know it's Rachel though! [Note - apparently it's Rachel Blair] I was telling her I loved this and she was explaining so enthusiastically her ideas behind it and the techniques used.  I'm not artist but I loved hearing her story, and hope her enthusiasm is encouraged for the future.