I've been getting into the rhythm of Rousay weeks. It's different from the relentless up and down to Dorset, down on a Thursday, back on a Monday. I'd been up for the weekend which I'd written about in the previous blog; then another whole week beckoned. Heaven. And we also had our first guests, so that was exciting too.
On the Monday morning, rainbows were in the air as we went for our walk. Can you see? 
The sky is so incredible, the sea so translucent, edged with silver.
Wilfred and Will arrived up from Glasgow. Greeted, of course, by a seal.
We took them to the abandoned church at Skail, so beautiful.
And to the Mid Howe chambered tomb, and to the Mid Howe Broch, which you see here - such a beautiful house, about 2000 years old. The tomb next door is about 5500 years old.
Sweeping sunlight and shadows, and low, slanting December light.
Facade discussions.
Sibyl pottering around.
And then in her favourite spot.
Followed by her even more favourite spot.
Clear and bright the next day... we'd decided to head over to mainland after breakfast.
It was becoming a bit of a joke how amazing the weather was, flat calm, mirror seas, warm sunshine, cold air.
More rainbows.
Looking back to Rousay, with Westray in the distance - which we long to explore.
Stromness was like a picture postcard. The water was like a mirror.
Of course a visit to the brilliant Pier Arts Centre.
And a wander through town.
Back to Kirkwall, for lunch, and home in the settling sun.
Another clear and brilliant day beckoned. This time we were walking to Scabra Head.
Amazing stone slab fences in the fields.
On the shore.
The tide here is always wild.
Ancient sand dunes, turned to rock.
The headland is like an ancient carved face, from Easter Island.
The Hole of the Horses.
An amazing coastline - within a short walk of home, which is even more amazing.
More fossilised sand, turned forever to rock now.
Suddenly we were on a beach of beautiful round grey stones, unbelievably tactile.
Around to Saviskail Farm, such a beautiful grouping of buildings, needing, maybe, to be looked after now.
Perfect spot for tea and cake.
I wasn't entirely sure the sign was needed at Saviskail beach!
Many seals (taken with my camera on zoom to leave them in peace)...
Many rock pools...
And amazingly inquisitive seals with us all the way....
We said goodbye to our friends and headed up to the Ian Hamilton Finlay, a monumental piece of land art in an even bigger landscape.
It's called 'Gods of the Earth, Gods of the Sea'...
Which could have been an album cover for a rock band when I snapped Charlie, Will and Fred heading back to the car.
Back via the Taversoe burial chamber, 5000 years old.
Fred and Will left early the next morning and I worked. The next day, the weather had changed, rain sweeping through...
But never for long.
Of course the little two still manage to find muddy puddles just like in Dorset.
Most afternoons are spent like this.
The low, westering light casts extraordinary shadows.
And then I was off too, back south. But I was on a mission - quite a huge road trip, that look in first of all progress at Tornagrain, our new town near Inverness, to see the newly finishing blocks coming out of the ground - very early, of course, and waiting for trees to be planted when it gets a little warmer....
The first phase looking lovely as always.
The newly opened Hillhead Cafe and the market cross. We are planning land out to the west in detail at the moment, very exciting.
And the sun shining as we walked back towards the first village centre. Strange to think this place is just 5 years old. It feels more settled.
From Inverness, I headed down to the borders, where I had a fantastic evening at the wonderful bookshop, 'Mainstreet Trading Co' in St Boswells, doing a little talk about the book - which of course, I'd entitled, An (almost) Scottish Vision, in honour of the setting. And from there, down to Nottinghamshire, to visit and discuss the many houses we're designing for the Welbeck Estate, and calling in to a wonderful project in Derbyshire, and then - very tired, back to London.
It's been the quietest weekend - this is what happens when I'm home, alone - but one of my happy tasks has been to photograph the huge collection of creamware that Bridie and I have now managed to create in the shop. Here's a little preview, with the obelisk that we have at LAST received from the factory, and which is now on sale on the website - hooray - it's such a joy to have this as a physical, three-dimensional item at last.... And you will glimpse also the enormous creamware candlesticks we are about to launch, based on a wonderful original made in the 18th century, in Stoke-on-Trent, just like these ones for us! It's taken us years of development to get these made and we hope to have them for sale very, very soon - and this is your first little look.
An exciting moment for the end of the year.
I have a busy two weeks before Christmas - I am sure we all do. The Christmas Elves at Pentreath & Hall are packing your orders carefully and sending them all over the world; Bridie and I, and the whole P&H team, are so grateful for all the wonderful custom you have given us this year, and especially with the publication of the book in September. It's been really fantastic, and to have so many happy people visiting our little shop in Lambs Conduit Street these last few weeks.
I can't wait to be back on the ferry to Rousay soon, but in the meantime - have a very, very festive season!
37 comments
Nature is magnificent. And what I love is you always make nature the hero.
Is it just me but I cannot see the photos either on IOS or Microsoft.
Sadly, all of the photos are blank. They show up on Bridie’s posts, but not Ben’s. (Using a MacBook Air and tried both Firefox and Safari.)
Happy Holidays! That Westness House looks like it was just waiting for Charlie and you to arrive. I admit Mavis is my fave doggie, but the other two are super cute and they all seem so happy.
Thank you for sharing these photos, you are so generous.
Can I recommend the Town Museum in Stromness – absolutely fascinating and slightly weird
Dear Ben,
The photos are beautiful and I can see why you chose your new home. I am amazed by how quickly you have settled in.
I am sure you will eventually do another book about your new home which I will look forward to. And, perhaps, it might be possible to visit your house with a group in the future.
With best wishes,
Henry
Goodness gracious me those images of Rousay and surrounds are truly delicious! Such raw and beautiful material for you to photograph and even better the colours and the seas change daily, seasonally so you never run out of material. Festive greetings for your first Christmas in your new home from far off Hawkes Bay, New Zealand! Jennie
All breathtaking. Thank you! I always feel like I’m right there with you :)
Thank you Ben for the extraordinarily beautiful photos of the coast of Ronsay so wild and yet at your doorstep. Your house looks very settled and comfortable especially the snoozing dogs! Wishing you and Charlie a merry Christmas in your new home and an especially wonderful New Year. Thank you again for the pleasure of your blog and also your new book which I rushed through and am now reading and savouring again more slowly.
Warmest regards
Susan
One of the most restful moments in my day, sitting in London but looking at the beautiful Scottish landscape, with the weather and light that changes so quickly. I grew up in Ireland and it reminds me of time spent on the West Coast… I’ll be there soon. And Tunnocks teacakes! I didn’t know there is a dark chocolate version. A revelation! Thank you.
ps creamware also lovely.
Such lovely photos. We’ve been watching YouTube videos of the Orkney Islands for a better understanding of the land. We learned about the many antiquities there. Happy holidays to both you and Charlie.
I’m really enjoying your Instagram pictures and posts about Westray. It’s taking me to a happy place while having radiotherapy.
Sorry 1 more comment, Lambs Conduit Street is such an intriguing name.. . Is there a story to that? Thankyou, M x
Lovely photos on the blog and words too. Itsvso inspiring and magical. A beautiful part of the world to be sure.
I hope we get to see your christmas tree in beautiful Westness House!
Have a wonderful Christmas time Ben and Charlie & the dogs in your very special new home.
Wishing you a very happy Festive Season. Congratulations on picking such an idyllic spot to settle down in and for writing your wonderful blog about it! I simply love An English Vision… keep up the good work 💫
Absolutely beautiful photos of your new area, no wonder you love it! And the dogs must be in heaven too . What an incredible and brave move .
Love following you. ❤️
The best account to follow in every way..
You are a heartfelt photographer…gentle and kind…I..like probably hundreds of others … are making plans to visit the Islands…
Wonderful scenery photos and so nice your friends came to visit and you were able to tour around. That picnic tea stop beside your vehicle was so enchanting. Nice to see the other villages, not far. Gorgeous rainbows. Interesting the story about The Hudson Bay company, as being from Canada, that is still a large store here, but changing yearly. Enjoy your Christmas holidays, looking forward to photos of your tree and decorations. All the best.
I rather envy you the magnificent beauty of your new home but may be not the cold weather! Thank you for sharing your picture. They gave me a few minutes of escape. X
Lovely blog! Thank you
Simply wonderful!
Fascinating as always with the most beautiful photos and heartfelt commentary.
Reassuring to read of such care, respect of history and sensitivity to the new.
An unbelievable place of beauty, I so look forward to your posts.
Stunning images that reveal your love of that world. Joyeux Noël !
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful home and beautiful photos . It’s brilliant to see you happy and living a life you have worked hard to get . I can’t wait to see the garden .
I got totally swept up by your photographs, now back to reality! Well done, brave vision and so stylish.
Breathtaking.
Quite the most enchanting post ever.
Ahhhhhhh your updates from the Orkneys are the highlight of my week…. Please do keep them coming xxxx
All looking beautiful. Can’t wait to see the garden progress/ Charlie’s plans.
Your photographs 🌟as always. And those seals xxx V
Ahh. Such a blissful and uplifting read to start the week. Thank you!
Such magic, such peace in your busy world. Happy for you!
I love the wildness of your new place. The quiet that must reign supreme. Though I do think I would miss trees/forests a lot. Am looking forward to ordering a few sets of the new greeting cards you have using some of your beautiful photographs…..if only the postal strike here in Canada would end!! Hopefully we will have a Christmas blog from your new home:)
So heavenly to see what you see—always bookmark and revisit.
And compliments of the season!
P.S. How is Henry settling in?
There is no greater picnic than one with a Tunnocks! Loving the light, the seals and dear little Sibyl’s paws on the chair. Sending much love xxx
I just want to be there – I sit and look at your photos in wonderment – thank you!