News

For a small group of islands, Orkney has produced an impressive number of writers.  Most famously, George Mackay Brown created a vision of the islands and their people - 'fishermen with ploughs' - so powerful that it shaped how many see and think of Orkney.  But what about 21st century Orkney?  Who will tell its stories and sing its songs?

Julian is a Mermaid is a beautifully illustrated children's book by New York based writer Jessica Love. It celebrates individuality, self-expression, diversity, and above all else the unconditional love between a grandmother and her grandson. It is a simple yet powerful book, full of colour and joy, that we think you and the children in your life may enjoy...

Emma McDowall is a creative female entrepreneur, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. What started off as experimental fun in her parent’s shed, soon became a sellable product when Emma shared photos of her works on social media. The colour palettes and textures brought to everyday objects, such as clocks and trays, were welcomed with enthusiasm, and now her pieces are sold world-over, from Iceland to the US…and now in the Longship, Kirkwall!

Paboy is a Gambian designer currently seeking asylum in Naples. Cara talked to him last week, finding out about his inspirations for his home goods company, In Casa by Paboy which is gaining worldwide recognition for its colour and joy. In the interview Paboy retells his dangerous and violent journey crossing the desert and Mediterranean. Inspired by Paboy's story, this Valentine's we'll be donating 50% of profits of all soft furnishings to the refugee charity CHOOSE LOVE.

Racism still persists; it is deeply entrenched, systemic and built into the foundations of our society.  But there is hope in resistance.  Art and literature is a particularly important way of resisting; as Basquiat proves, it has the power to act as a reflection of reality and lived experiences, but it is also a way to imagine what our future could look like.

We want to show our solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests across the globe in reaction to the murder of George Floyd. This tragic death has shone a light on the fact that racism is an international emergency. We are offering a series of children’s books which celebrate influential black figures throughout history. 

Mollie Forsyth used to work at The Longship every Saturday and during her summer holidays.  Her beaming smile and positive outlook is still greatly missed by customers and the Longship Crew alike.  Though we were sorry to see her go it’s exciting to hear that she's making a name for herself in the big city, where she studies interior design at the Glasgow School of Art.  We caught up with Mollie to find out about what she’s been doing during lockdown; it turns out she’s been very busy…

Anne Mathieson lives in Birsay, Orkney where she works as a mental health officer and social worker. When she’s not hard at work you will find her roaming the beaches of Orkney in search of wood to carve into beautiful objects for your home.  We had a chat with her to find out more about her craft and her ethos of striving for a more self sufficient, sustainable way of life.