Over the course of a weekend of remembrance, I heard so many stories about the personal contributions and sacrifices of Orcadians during the First and Second World Wars as well as more recent conflicts.
Let’s start with the positives. 18 months ago, scarcely a week passed without some part of the Loganair service being subject to disruption.
After so many images of death and destruction what a blessed relief it was to see pictures of joy emerging earlier this week from a region mired in bloodshed for so long.
At the end of an historic season for Papay’s footballers, Saturday’s dinner dance in the island’s wonderful hostel was always likely to be a memorable affair.
During the Festival of Politics at Holyrood last month, I had the pleasure of interviewing veteran BBC News anchor and foreign correspondent, Clive Myrie.
The Scottish Parliament is not as we left it back at the start of summer recess. As June faded into July, MSPs headed for the exits with a spring in our step while Orkney readied itself to host The Best International Island Games Ever ©.