At once my demons and angels were reconciled. — The Italian Chapel, on the remote Orkney Islands, is striking and beautiful. Set above the rugged shoreline on the tiny island of Lambholm. The story of its construction reflects the light of creativity shining out of the darkness of adversity. …

Touring Orkney, including budget accommodation, by bus — I wanted to explore Orkney to get a feel for the culture of the islanders, their long history and to see evidence of the sustainable energy initiatives Orkney is well known for. …

A Celebration of the very place our life evolved from.​ — ​It seems that today is Mother Ocean Day, a celebration originally introduced by the South Florida Kayak Fishing Club in 2013. It is a celebration of the beauty of our oceans. The sea was always a special place for my mother and, consequently, me as I pretty much grew up…

My before and after weight loss pictures and the journey from depression to health — I stepped on the scales this morning at 15 stone 11 pounds. Some might call that heavy but it’s a weight I’m more than happy with. More significantly, it’s the first time I’ve been happy with my weight in my entire adult life. From Bag Of Bones To Cake Man. I was actually skinny as a child…

Where history meets magic framed in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands ​It started as a breakfast conversation over pastries, French Toast, and coffee in Fort William’s Garrison Hotel. How to pass the time on a typically Scottish rainy day? We knew the Glenfinnan Viaduct was nearby and it had…

Once I finally got on the road, things started to get beautiful. — At A Glance: Depart Inverness (Craigmonie Hotel) 09:30 First Stop — Chanonry Point to try and spot Dolphins Arr 10:30, Dep: 12:00. Saw lots of seagulls and one seal but no dolphins. Second Stop — Glenmorangie Distillery Shop to buy some whisky. They do Distillery Tours, but I don’t. Just want to buy…

I decided to take a ferry to Westray as this would pass by the tide and wave-driven devices being tested off the shore of Eday. — I introduced myself to the people in the Information Centre at Kirkwall and told them I was looking to get close to the Water-based power generating devices off the island of Eday. …

Over 100% of the electricity required for the islands is produced by sustainable means. — My first thoughts about the Orkney Islands are of beautiful ancient lands to the far north where Vikings once ruled. The home of Highland Park, one of my favourite single malt whiskies. But it wasn’t the standing stones or brochs of ancient history that moved me to visit these islands…