FRIDAY 12TH MARCH
Frances Browne, my project coordinator, very kindly invited me to the opening of an exhibition at the Bonhoga Gallery in Weisdale. The gallery is located in Weisdale Mill, which has been converted into a beautiful arts centre. Weisdale is located right in the centre of the main island, down a very dark, very windy road. Most roads in Shetland are single track with passing places, something that is quite nostalgic for me because it takes me back to my childhood and all the holidays in remote parts of Scotland. Driving in such conditions is a completely different experience to what I consider normal – 30 miles per hour is about the maximum one can safely navigate such terrain, so it’s impossible to rush and why indeed with breathtaking scenery at every glance. However, night-time driving requires concentration in the deep black dark!
The exhibition was delightful; five winners of various prizes had been invited to exhibit. Frances spent all the time introducing me to all the art bods, a gorgeous, friendly bunch. Friendliness is on another scale here, really. For example, I have discovered that when driving through the countryside it is de rigueur to wave at everyone you pass. How lovely is that?
