Overview

'Rebel Orkney' pulls together some of the stories of those who dared to stand apart: saintly figures like St. Magnus; the villainy of Black Patie; or the tenanted farmers who stood up to landlordism. The use and abuse of power by Lairds, Earls, Princes and Kings over islanders, many of whom would lose their lives or have to leave Orkney as a result, is balanced against acts of resistance. The book charts the courage of the Rousay crofters and the Stenness folk defending the iconic standing stones against the action of the local landowners. The activists of the 20th century who tirelessly campaigned for women's suffrage or to prevent the mining of Uranium illustrate a dugged determination which took on the establishment of the day. The growing influence and eventual possession of the islands by Scotland, the Act of Union with England, the growth of Empire and the devastating effect of a war which engulfed the world, reflect the consequences of political decisions taken far from the islands on its people.

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9781919610504

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Reviews

This is an absolute page turner of a book that exquisitely educates, entertains and informs in equal measure the relatively little known stories of Orkney and of several notorious and delightfully glorious Orcadians. Beautifully crafted and sumptuously illustrated throughout, this thoughtfully designed work of art and labour of love from Fiona Grahame and Martin Laird is an absolutely captivating read and would make the ideal gift for friends and family. Ken McDonald, Managing Editor, iScot Magazine. Rebel Orkney is a book of fascinating true stories illustrated with remarkable pictures and photographs. Martin Laird has captured the extravagant, almost unbelievable quality of the tales Fiona Grahame has re-told. This lovely book returns us to a time before 'history' when recounting what had happened in the past was the essence of storytelling. Cary Welling, Curator, Northlight Gallery, Stromness. Orkney is steeped in history, everyone knows that, right? Orkney is also the place of storytellers who spin yarns of yore that keep that history alive and kicking for new generations. And Orkney Islanders are renowned for being resourceful rebels that have stories worth telling. With Rebel Orkney, Fiona Grahame and Martin Laird combine a deft phrase, stunning images and a twist of humour to bring history right bang up to date for those in the know and to open eyes to wondrous old knowledge for those who are new to the ways of Orcadians. Emma Gee, Arts Officer, Orkney Islands Council (and relative newcomer to these incredible Isles!)

Author Information

Fiona Grahame is a freelance journalist and editor of The Orkney News, a not for profit community online media site. Living and working in Orkney, Fiona has a passion for researching its local history and how it relates to that of the wider world. Working with Martin Laird has enabled her to share the stories of the people who have shaped the islands of Orkney. Martin Laird is a graduate of Gray's School of Art and the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, RGU, Aberdeen. He is a member of the Orkney News team and regular contributor to iScot magazine along with Fiona Grahame, with whom he released an award-winning animation about the Orcadian Woman's Suffrage Society in 2019 called A Gude Cause maks a Strong Erm. Martin lives in Orkney and can be found online at martinlaird.scot.

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