Thursday 28 February 2013

Betty's Reading Room

The other day at the Radio Orkney studio, Fionn McArthur asked me if I'd been to Betty's Reading Room yet. I hadn't, though I'd seen Fionn's report on BBC Scotland News and was intrigued.

Well, it was a beautiful day for a drive out the West Mainland to Tingwall Jetty, so I seized the moment.








I wasn't disappointed. Crammed with books and strategically placed sofas, with all sorts of quirky and interesting objects round about, Betty's Reading Room is a place you could easily lose yourself and shed the stresses of the world for an hour or two.



The Reading Room came into being when Craig Mollison and Jane Spiers lost a good friend, Betty Prictor. What could they do, they wondered to commemorate her life and spirit.



They renovated an old cottage at Tingwall, donated to them by the farmer who owned it, and turned it into a truly inspirational tribute to their old friend.






                                               








Boats and books, hares and books, cows and cats and hares and books, lamps and pictures and books  ...


And outside hens pecking about in the grass.










Here's reading to you, Betty! Thank you Jane and Craig for a lovely place to take time out.

10 comments:

  1. Delighted you got there at last Alison. Thought you might like it!
    Fionn

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    1. I did indeed, Fionn. Thanks again for the nudge. It's such a lovely tribute to someone who clearly meant a lot to Craig and Jane. What a good thought that that the tribute to her is imbued with the qualities her friends saw in her.
      Alison

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  2. Thank you Alison, it really sounds the most wonderful place, and I still haven't been yet. Perhaps we should take the reading group on an outing there sometime?

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    Replies
    1. That would be a good idea, Becky! I'm sure if we gave warning there could be a nice log fire burning for the discussion!
      Alison

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  3. I went there with the Nordic Studies group this month...what a magical rememberance.
    Ros Parkyn

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it is wonderful, isn't it. A great tribute to their friend, Betty.

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  4. just listening to the story on radio 4, how wonderful and what a wonderful thing to do, will definitely be visiting if and when i get back to Orkney. Take care

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    1. Thanks, Dorcas. Yes I heard the feature on Saturday Live too. Betty's Reading Room IS a very special place. Hope you get back to Orkney to see it one day soon. Best Wishes, Alison

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  5. Wonderful to read a bit more about it, I hope to get there one day

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lainy. Good luck getting there. Alison

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