Orcadian Column, 9/7/2026
I’m pleased to report that the past couple of weekends have been joyously uplifting. First, I had the pleasure of welcoming Gregor Corse and his mum, Iona to the formal opening of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament at which, by common consent, Gregor was the star of the show.
The buzz from that experience hardly had time to fade before I found myself enveloped last weekend in the ‘feel good’ embrace of the Water Sound Bluegrass and Roots Festival in Burray. The latest addition to Orkney’s impressive calendar of festivals, Water Sound showcased what a community can achieve when it pulls together and makes the most of all its talents. More on that shortly but first let’s wind back a week to Gregor’s Holyrood rendezvous with the King.
At times it’s necessary to remind yourself that Gregor Corse is only four, such is his ability to take things in his increasingly confident stride. Despite the pomp and ceremony that inevitably attends a royal visit, Gregor was not remotely fazed by being in parliament, or ‘Liam’s work’, as he insisted on calling it. Clearly curious about the noise and colour, with everyone dressed to impress, Gregor was full of questions from the moment he arrived.
There was a slight ‘wobble’ when Iona and I broke the news to him that he couldn’t sit with me in the Chamber during the formal proceedings but would have to take his place up in the public gallery. Even that was overcome, though, by agreeing a ‘secret’ wave to be performed when we spotted each other from our respective seats.
The opening ceremony itself was very moving, with wonderful performances by members of the Scottish Youth Choir and Youth Theatre as well as an inspiring work of poetry by Scotland’s Makar, Padraig MacAoidh. Gregor then joined other ‘local heroes’ from around Scotland in the public hall to be introduced to the King and Queen. I wasn’t present for this but the photo of Gregor doffing his cap while he and the King dissolve in a fit of giggles is utterly priceless.
Once reunited with Gregor and Iona, I took them on a tour of the parliament, including the Chamber, where Gregor delighted in delivering his maiden speech. Loops o the Garden Lobby followed, including leaping down the famous staircase, and a visit to the parliament gym where Gregor insisted on putting me through my paces on the rowing machine. His creative suggestion that the gym needs a pool table is one I will raise with Corporate Body colleagues after summer recess!
Throughout the day, Gregor’s infectious laugh and smile had everyone he met grinning back at him. He is a truly astonishing wee boy and the most worthy of local heroes. Time spent in his company is just a joy.
Similarly joyous was the second Water Sound Bluegrass festival held in Burray last weekend. Festivals play such an important role in our community, bringing people together, both locals and visitors alike, in a shared love of music and culture. They help enrich the quality of life and deserve ongoing support, particularly in the islands where additional costs and challenges are faced, something I raised in parliament recently with the Culture Secretary.
Pete and Gail McAndrew, the driving forces behind this festival deserve enormous credit, alongside the musicians, technical support and a whole army of volunteers. Being included in various Messenger and WhatsApp groups gave me an insight into the extent to which helping hands were being offered right across the Burray community and beyond. This was then reflected in the atmosphere over the weekend. Even those with little interest in the music nevertheless felt involved in and proud of what was achieved. Indeed, I was struck by how the act of putting up and taking down the marquee and other tents felt like a community ‘occasion’.
At a time when there is no shortage of reasons to feel angry or despondent about the state of the world, thank goodness for Gregor and the Water Sound Bluegrass Festival for providing a much-needed antidote and reminder of the positives that are out there too.