John Fergusson Nov 2014 Report

Continuing the successful series of Winter Lectures a near capacity clubroom enjoyed a most enjoyable talk on the Orkney’s through the eyes of former BBC broadcaster John Fergusson. Using colourful imagery, John gave us a most entertaining hour of life in the Orkney Islands during his time there as Radio Presenter with Radio Orkney. Most interesting was his descriptions of Scap Flow during the wear years and the famous world heritage sites, including Scara Brae. His talk was most comprehensive and it was interesting to see the difference in technology in Island Radio Broadcasting over twenty years. He was resident broadcaster in the Islands when the scurrilous accusations of witchcraft desolated a significant proportion of the population. He also had the honour of interviewing Henry Cooper amongst others.

To conclude the talk he recalled some humorous stories whilst working abroad notably in the South Pacific and Brazil where he stumbled into working as an extra on a Hollywood film set in Santa Monica. After answering questions the evening was wound up with a cuppa and some further interchange with the audience. A most interesting insight into Island life. Orkney is a place definitely worth putting on my ‘bucket list’ of must see places!!

John Clark