I thought it odd when I saw an umbrella stand full of rocket fireworks on sale in my local hardware store and then I remembered, today is Guy Fawkes Day. Guy Fawkes was a domestic terrorist who plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
In 1605. These people have really long memories.
I think Orkney celebrates Guy Fawkes Day with a bonfire at the Peedie Sea (I love that name – if ‘wee’ is the Scottish word for small, then ‘peedie’ is the Orcadian word for wee. The Peedie Sea is a round, man-made pond down by the harbour, full of ducks and swans – this can’t be a fun night for the birds.). I don’t think we’ll be wandering down there this evening; Scout doesn’t mind fireworks, but only from a distance.