All Orkney has been talking about for the last fortnight is the county shows. It seems this is the first summer in three years that these shows have taken place, so they’re a big deal. There’s a show (think North American County Fair/Agricultural Show) on each of the major islands, plus one in each of the bigger towns here on the mainland.
The Kirkwall show is the biggest and is taking place today on a huge park/fairground near my house. We headed over this morning and wandered the show. I had a Lorne sausage butty for breakfast (Scots are crazy for Lorne sausage which, for reasons I don’t fully understand, is square and flat, and that makes it special – okaaay), and then watched the sheep & cattle judging.
It is basically Farm & Family. Giant farm equipment, massive cattle, pretty sheep, and frisky dogs. There’s rides and concession, and the kids are so excited. Political parties (there was a white board at the Scottish National Party booth where you could vote Leave/Stay for Scottish independence – I’m not sure which way to vote), local shops, volunteer organizations, and lots of food wagons – I’m heading back this afternoon for the beer (and more importantly, gin) tent.