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Sea Stories

By Bernie Bell.

Pics. by B&M Bell

Having read about the ‘Sea Stories’  exhibition in Stromness Museum.

Mike & I were tempted, so we went along to see.

There’s so much, I can’t possibly cover it all – so many stories and items of interest.  I’ll somewhat randomly  present images and words.

I think the most impressive exhibit, for me, is the whale skull

But, as a story, Keith Allardyce’s finding of the carved plaque takes some beating, especially for someone who loves to find things on beaches and always hopes to find something extra-special

While on the subject of carvings – a selection of scrimshaw pieces

There are also some fine scrimshaw pieces in the permanent exhibition upstairs, in the room next to the Natural History section

including Magnus the walrus!

Meet the Scottish coast’s newest sea celeb

Back to the ‘Sea Stories’ exhibition…..there’s a letter sent from the world’s southernmost post office at Port Lockroy

Plus an exhibit which shows how similar the bones of a whale’s flipper are to those of a human hand

Which reminded  me of this tale….

When it comes to tales and associated pieces of anatomy – there’s the tale of the Beast of Stronsay

There’s a very fine albatross skull

which had me reciting the Ancient Mariner to myself

Moving forward in time – ‘Transects’ paper boats by Joanne B Karr

Passing the reproduction of John Rae’s boat and going up some steps we come to an exhibit centred on the Scotia Bell

Last but not least……nothing to do with Sea Stories,  but a good way to support the Museum…Buddo Mugs!!!

It really is best if you go to see for yourself!

While we were by the Museum, we also had a look at the Shoogly Holm.

We weren’t there for the initial submersion of the concrete and clay mooring, or for the placing of a sculpture on top of it but, as we were at the Museum, we took the opportunity to take some pics. of the sculpture

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