Meet your guide
A Sense of Belonging. My connection to Orkney is physical. Born in Kirkwall, I was exploring Maeshowe long before the UNESCO designation and remember things about the islands that no longer exist. I know the land and the technical infrastructure of the North Isles down to areas long forgotten along with many side quests in my time here. I still call in the odd favour from time to time.
The elemental standard
A concern I often see is how the weather is this far north. The summer is temperate and the winter can be "elemental". I like to say the sea spray is character building. I do not hide from the weather and am very proud of my 0% cancellation record. I work with the islands in all seasons as it always has been.
Whether navigating a Neolithic site or working on a “rabbit hole” project. I love nothing more than a challenge, my professional training was only the foundation of my career.
My perspective is built on personal discipline, care for the islands future and independant research. I do not have a "guide persona" and much prefer a quiet, technical exchange over a one way broadcast.
The integrated narrative
As the Islands continue to attract more people, I believe that the history here should not be reduced to a basic product; it is a lived sequence. Neolithic settlements, Viking sagas, and modern island life are one continuous layering of millennia which need to be treated with care and genuine local expertise.
My study and field exploration of the Islands will never end. I, (along with many experts in the field) do not believe Orkney’s history will ever be “completed".
“Competence is expected, not advertised"
I let the landscape and my work do the talking. I am just as likely to be up to my knees in gutter (Orcadian dialect for mud) following a historical thread as I am behind a desk. Like most islanders I tend to be found out in the landscape any time of the year.
My delivery is engaging, fun, adaptive and technical in a way the story deserves, so it can be passed on to the next generation.
Got questions? Let's talk
Skip the chatbots and speak in real time. This ten minute briefing is a no-pressure technical check to answer questions and check over your ideas. We’ll focus on the logistics, timings, tides, and accessibility.
To ensure your journey is built without compromise. Bring your "weird and wonderful" ideas, I enjoy a challenge.
