GP Nomad: Orcadian Symphony

Hoy and Flotta from the air. Credit: GP Nomad

By The GP Nomad

7am flights always seem acceptable when you book them, the rude reality only dawning whilst setting your alarm the night before. The surprise of how awake the airport is. Ladies sipping Rosé, a man in FatFace trying on a Hawaiian shirt. These are not good decisions for 5am. Dozing, I awoke as we started our descent, disappointed to have slept through my complimentary Tunnock’s tea cake - Loganair’s in-flight sweetener to make you forget the cost of your passage.

I was returning to Orkney. As an island bagger, the Orkney Islands had been good to me. Flying above, previous chapters of my working life lay mapped out below. The isles of Sanday, Stronsay, Shapinsay, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray and mainland Orkney itself. Returning, I was to add another trio to my collection. Initially hired to cover the isle of Flotta, the health board bolted on an additional 2 weeks on the isle of Hoy, with the days between filled covering on the isle of Eday.