Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2019 Tour
I can honestly say that I returned home with more than just yarn, momentos and fiber related goodies stuffed in my suitcase...it's those special memories made from sharing all of what the 'Priceless' trip offered. Diana Z. Sept. 2019
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the trip. Thank you both for all your planning and organizing to make such a wonderful, unforgettable trip for all of us! Christina S. Sept. 2019
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of the trip. Thank you both for all your planning and organizing to make such a wonderful, unforgettable trip for all of us! Christina S. Sept. 2019
Day 1 - Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - Inverness Arrival, Dunrobin Castle, Helmsdale
Upon our arrival in Inverness, we were met by our tour guide Adriana Boffa and coach. After a brief drive through town, we headed up the eastern coast of Scotland, crossing the Moray Firth, Black Isle and Cromarty Firth, making a stop in the lovely fishing village town of Dornoch, where we got a look at downtown and peek in the lovely cathedral.
Upon our arrival in Inverness, we were met by our tour guide Adriana Boffa and coach. After a brief drive through town, we headed up the eastern coast of Scotland, crossing the Moray Firth, Black Isle and Cromarty Firth, making a stop in the lovely fishing village town of Dornoch, where we got a look at downtown and peek in the lovely cathedral.
After a little seal spotting we headed to the beautiful Dunrobin Castle in Golspie - ancestral seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. One of the UK's oldest continually inhabited houses, dating back to the early 1300s, Dunrobin is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses and the largest in the Highlands, with 189 rooms!
The castle, resembling a French Chateau with its towering conical spires, was used as a naval hospital in the First World War and then as a boys boarding school from 1965-1972. The castle which overlooks the Moray Firth on the east coast, is impressive, with a lovely collection of furniture, portraits, and....ghost!
View of the North Sea from Dunrobin Castle
And the gardens, designed by Charles Barry in the 1850s, are beautiful! Inspiration for the design came from the Palace of Versailles in Paris. Since the garden is so sheltered it contains many unusual plants including the Gunnera Manicata - a native rhubarb of South America with leaves reaching 8 feet long!
Downtown Thurso
Then on through the fishing village of Helmsdale to the romantic Scottish Highland town of Thurso, a small northern coastal town overlooking the Orkney Islands. Thurso's history stretches back to the time of the Vikings, when it was referred to as Thorsa, meaning 'Thor's River'. Here we settled into the Park Hotel where we spent the next two nights, including a lovely group dinner both nights!
Day 2 - Thursday, September 26, 2019 - Castle of Mey, Wick, Old Pulteney Distillery -
After breakfast at the hotel, we boarded our coach and headed out to explore the North Coast of Scotland. Our first stop was the beautiful Castle and Gardens of Mey.
And what a special place! The castle was built between 1566 and 1572. Bought and renovated by the Queen Mother in the 1950s, located in the very north of Scotland in Caithness overlooking the North Sea, and the only home she ever owned, it is one of the very few Visit Scotland 5 star visitor attractions north of Inverness. And thanks to Prince Charles, who visits once a year, it has been beautifully maintained. We had a tour through the castle, visited the gardens and her Black Angus cows and sheep, and had a lovely lunch at the cafe.
Then, past stunning views of Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Scotland, and on to Wick, a town and Royal Burgh in Caithness located on the River Wick. Wick was the site of one of the first intensive fishing operations and in the early 19th century was Scotland's premier herring port. Wick was originally a Viking settlement although the oldest surviving part of the town is medieval. The highlight of this stop was the Old Pulteney Distillery, a very old distillery that is almost 200 years old!
View of Wick Harbor
After a couple of tastings to top off our tour, we headed back to Thurso. And then more wandering in Thurso before our group dinner at the Park Hotel, with a very special surprise - Highland piping by the lovely Marven, just 9 years old and piping for less than a year - what a lovely treat!
Day 3 - Friday, September 27, 2019 - The Orkney Islands -- Old Man of Hoy, Stromness, Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, Kirkwall, St. Magnus Cathedral, Bishop's Palace and Earl's Palace -
Today we left the mainland of Scotland via ferry from Scrabster to the lovely town of Stromness in mainland Orkney. On the way we passed by the Island of Hoy ("HIgh Island") and the Old Man of Hoy -- a red sandstone sea stack (137 meters high) against the backdrop of the cliffs of St. John's Head (347 meters) -- a truly impressive sight!
The Orkney Islands comprise 67 islands in total, with only about 30 of them inhabited by humans; the rest are the domain of countless sea birds, seals, otters - and sheep! After a quick stroll through Stromness, we headed out on our bus to see some of the amazing Neolithic Sites - the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, and the tomb of Maeshowe as well as the Watchstone and Barnhouse Stone. Wow! The history here is amazing.
After a wonderful morning hearing stories of the Neolithic times, we headed into the lovely town of Kirkwall, where we explored the lovely downtown - some bought beautiful Orkney jewelry and North Ronaldsay sheep yarn, while others explored the lovely Museum in town. Marci and Amy met the proprietor of the Orkney Tweed shop, where she uses wool from her own sheep, which is sent to Shetland to be processed and woven into her fabrics.
Then a tour of the spectacular St. Magnus Cathedral, known as the ‘Light in the North’. The Cathedral was founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald in honor of his uncle St Magnus. Our wonderful tour guide Adriana told us tales of St Magnus, how he was murdered by his cousin Haakon, and his bones, found under one of the pilars in the Cathedral in 1919, remain there. What an amazing structure!
Then across the street to enjoy views from the tower in the Bishop’s Palace (built for Bishop William, friend of Earl Rognvald), and the Earl’s Palace, built in the early 1600s by Earl Patrick Stewart, executed for treason in 1615. Then we all went our ways to relax, explore Kirkwall and have dinner. Some of us stayed at the Kirkwall Hotel while others stayed at the Park Hotel.
View of Kirkwall and St. Magnus Cathedral from the top of the Bishop's Palace.
St. Magnus Hymn being sung by the St. Magnus Choir in the St. Magnus Cathedral
Day 4 - Saturday, September 28, 2019 - Skara Brae, Skaill House, Corrigall Farm Museum, Kirkwall - Today started with a lovely tour of Skara Brae, a Neolithic Village dating back to 3500 BC, located on the shore of the Bay of Skaill in Sandwick. The site contains 8 of the best preserved Neolithic houses in the world.
Then a tour through the beautiful Skaill House, a historic manor house in Sandwick parish that overlooks Skara Brae and the Bay of Skaill. Originally built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham, the house was kept in the family and occupied until 1991, when it was restored and then opened to the public. The house if full of items collected through the centuries, including Captain Cook's dinner service and the Bishop's bed, and...several ghosts! The house was also home to William Graham Watt, the 7th Laird of Breckness who unearthed the Neolithic Village of Skara Brae in 1850.
Then on to Corrigall Farm Museum where we learned about farm life in the 19th century in this traditional but and ben style farmhouse. We ground some of our own flour using the quern, set the Viking mouse trap, and made our own simmans.
Making Simmans at the Corrigall Farm Museum in Harray, Orkney
Then we all headed back to Kirkwall for an afternoon of exploration, shopping, and a last group dinner - and what a better way to end our last night than listening in at a late night session of local musicians and enjoying the local ‘ladies’ whisky, Scapa! And then all aboard the overnight ferry for a smooth ride across the North Sea to Shetland for for a week of classes, lectures, and tours!
Day 5: Sunday, September 29, 2019 - Arrival in Lerwick -
We arrived this morning in Lerwick after a smooth night crossing the North Sea. And what a busy day it was - some were off to classes, some where out shopping, and some were just out enjoying the beautiful weather.
Early morning arrival in Lerwick
Marci and Amy were busy getting folks to their houses and grocery shopping for the week. We were treated to live music a the ‘Hub’ at the Shetland Museum and Archives, as well as later at the opening ceremonies.
Some of the group were thrilled to visit with the folks from the Fruity Knitting Podcast. We created quite the scene doing a group photo shoot at the opening ceremony of Shetland Wool Week- others got in on the action as we were ‘photo bombed’!
And then a wee visit with the Master of Ceremonies, Founder and Patron of the 10th year of Shetland Wool Week, Oliver Henry. And off to bed!
Day 6 - Monday, October 1, 2019 - Walls, Loch of Goster, Sandness, Jamieson of Shetland Mill Store, Bonhoga Gallery, Patron Oliver Henry Lecture - While some folks were in classes, others in lectures and on tours, some of us went exploring new territory. We started out the day in Walls, in the western part of the mainland. On our way to Sandness we stopped and took a coastal walk along Watsness and the Loch of Goster, overlooking the island of Foula, famous for the filming of ‘The Edge of the World’.
Then on to the Jamiesons of Shetland Mill Store for a little shopping spree. Marci was thrilled to find an old woolly board out back, that just so happened to be the last one for sale. What beautiful blankets, sweaters, and yarn, and such helpful, wonderful staff!
Marci gets a lesson on how to use a woolly board...
We then took a stroll along the Sandness Coastal Walk, where we took a look at the Huxter Ancient Vertical Water Mill, with a great view across the bay of Papa Stour.
Then a quick stop at the Scord of Brouster, the site of 3 farmhouse sites that date back to 3,000 BC!
Then some wonderful soup and sandwiches and a look through the exhibits at the lovely Bonhoga Gallery at the Weisdale Mill before heading back to Lerwick.
And then an event that we will all remember forever - a wonderful lecture about his life in wool, this year’s 10th year Shetland Wool Week patron and founder, Oliver Henry - an amazing 50 years in the work and promotion of wool, loved by many. After the lecture we met several interesting folks, including representative from Yorkshire Spinners, Curtis Wool Direct, as well as the lovely Meret Butzberger, designer and teacher from Switzerland. Oh, what fun! And then home to sit by the peat fire and rest up for the next day's adventures!
Day 7 - Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - Burra Bears, Red Houss Jewelry, Scalloway, Burra Island - While some folks were in classes, others in lectures and on tours, some of us headed to the island of Burra - today was Burra Bear pick-up day. Back in January, students from The Elegant Ewe in Concord, NH, learned how to design and knit Fair Isle fabric. After finishing their pieces, they were sent off to the amazing Wendy at Burra Bears to be made into Teddies. And today we picked up all seven. And they are lovely!
We also had a wee visit to see Gill and Mike at Red Houss Jewelery. Then a delightful lunch at the Scalloway Hotel. We then further explored the island of Burra. We took a wonderful walk on Kettla Ness, where on good days you can look out to Fair Isle.
Then back to Lerwick for a wine and cheese party with all of our travelers so that everyone could catch up with all of their events so far - everyone is having such a great time!
Day 8 - Wednesday, October 2, 2019 - Yell, Unst, Hermaness, GlobalYell, Haa Museum, Ulsta Craft Fair - While some folks were in classes, others in lectures and on tours, some of us headed to the northernmost island of Unst. After taking the ferry to Yell, we drove through Cullivoe to Braewick and the Wick of Breckon, what a beautiful area! Beautiful beach, lots of waves...and rabbits!
Then we took another ferry to the Island of Unst, the most northernly island in Shetland. We took a beautiful hike up to the most northernly point in the UK to see the Muckle Flugga lighthouse...just beautiful! Then over to see the gannetry.
Then a lovely visit to the Unst Heritage Center and Museum to see the amazing lace exhibit. After driving over some extremely narrow roads and high places, we eventually arrived in Norwick and the most northern beach in the UK - Skaw beach.
On the way home we visited the GlobalYell, Shetland Tweed studio for an interesting tour, then over to the old Haa Museum for some home bakes and shopping, and then we finished off at the Ulsta Craft show for some last minute purchases. Then a few session tunes at The Lounge, and home to bed - that certainly was a full day!
Day 9 - Thursday, October 3, 2019 - Jarlshof, Sumburgh Lighthouse, Croft House Museum, Nielanell, Shetland Designer - While some folks were in classes, others in lectures and on tours, some of us headed to the south. We started the day at Jarlshof, just an amazing site that has remains dating from 2500 BC up the the 17th century, including Pictish and Viking ruins as well as a Laird’s house. Then on to the lighthouse to learn the importance of Shetland during the last World War.
We stopped at the Croft House Museum, inhabited until 1963. Then on our drive to Bigton for lunch we saw St. Ninians Tombolo and seals on Spiggie Beach. A quick stop to visit with Niela Karla of Nielanell Knitwear - she took us to her home and studio where we learned how she gets her design and color inspiration.
Then a lovely visit with Wilma Malcolmson who talked about how she comes up with her colors - she had the most marvelous samples set up for us to see and was so generous with her time and knowledge - we look forward to seeing her again next year.
Then we ended the day with a lovely talk on Shetland Lace with Dr. Carol Christiansen at the Shetland Museum and Archives Museum - we look forward to her book coming out next year.
Day 10 - Friday, October 4, 2019 - Whalsay, Shetland Music, Spree - While some folks were in classes, others in lectures and on tours, some of us headed off for a trip we had been looking forward to all week - a visit to see some of our friends in Whalsay!
Our first stop in Whalsay was the Golf Club, the northernmost golf course in the UK. We took a lovely stroll down the old air strip, along the coast and golf course.
On the way back we stopped at the Symbister Hall in town for a lovely visit with our friends from last year, some great food, and the always amazing display of knitted items - their Fair Isle colorwork is always stunning! Our visit was much too short, but we will look forward to next year....
We then headed back to Lerwick in time for a lecture and performance on Shetland Music -lots of fun!
Leaving Lerwick Harbor...
And then on to the Spree, for a night of Scottish Country dancing where all are welcome to join, regardless of abilities...then home to pack and get ready for our last day in Shetland.
Marci trying to dance the Gay Gordon with Hazel Tindall...
Day 11 - Saturday, October 5, 2019 - Maker's Market, Bressay - Our last day in Shetland was busy. We spent the morning packing and getting our luggage to the ferry terminal, and then everyone was free to go to the museum, the Makers Market, and some last minute shopping downtown.
Marci and Amy headed out on the Bressay ferry to Garths Croft to visit their friend Chris Dyer. Chris and his wife raise Shetland sheep and heritage pigs and are doing a great job promoting the crofting lifestyle. Well done!
The Overlys playing ‘I got the Wool Week Blues’ which they composed just for Wool Week - we loved it!
- Then back to Lerwick for a visit to the Shetland Textile Museum at the Bod of Gremista - wonderful as always. A little walking around town, and then on the the ferry for our overnight ride across the North Sea to Aberdeen.
Day 12 - Sunday October 6, 2019 - Aberdeen and return home -
We arrived in Aberdeen early in the morning and boarded our coach to head to the Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
We arrived in Aberdeen early in the morning and boarded our coach to head to the Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
Thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip. I really stepped out of the box to travel on my own, but from the moment I met everyone, I felt welcomed and included...a trip I will look back upon with wonderful memories of new friends, beautiful scenery, and lot of sheep, ponies and yarn! Melanie O. Sept. 2019
Thank you so much for all the organizing you do!! It's really fun to travel with so many nice folks! How can you beat it? Cynthia N. Sept. 2019
Thank you so much for all the organizing you do!! It's really fun to travel with so many nice folks! How can you beat it? Cynthia N. Sept. 2019
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