By Bernie Bell.

Pics by B&M Bell

As part of the 2025 Orkney Nature Festival   Custodian Fran Flett-Hollinrake presented  an illustrated talk looking at images in St Magnus Cathedral relating to birds, animals and plants and exploring the stories, symbolism and meaning behind them.   I couldn’t go to the talk, but the idea inspired me to visit the Cathedral and track down the wildlife for myself.  I don’t have much knowledge about the symbolism etc – but I can present the images and maybe inspire folk to find them for themselves

We walked clock-wise round the Cathedral, with diversions into the Choir Stalls and as we noticed things we’d missed, encountering birds, beasts, and plants. 

There were a lot more than I expected and we’ve probably still missed some!

Here goes

Then, outside, advised by a friendly Cathedral guide…up under the eaves we found a pig and a ram.

And, finally…a cockerel on the spire.