A family affair in Orkney!

Like many of you who love to cruise I am a member of lots of different Facebook  and Google plus groups and recently came across a young lady from Kirkwall ,Orkney.

Diane Kelday is 29 and her father, Alastair, is 58, and they have both lived in Orkney since birth.

Orkney is made up of over 70 islands with only around 20 that are inhabited. The population of the main island is in the region of 15000 and the outer islands have 5000 collectively which gives a total population of 20000.

What fascinated me is that during a normal week Diane works at a local construction and crane hire company whilst her father is a retired electrical wholesale manager, however, upon the arrival of a cruise ship their jobs change.

Alastair helps drive the shore excursion coaches and Diane is involved with the quayside assistance aspect and helps to keep track of the passengers and coaches as they head off on their excursions. She is also a member of Kirkwall City Pipe Band and if not assisting at the quayside you will see her serenading the ships as they leave.

Dianes top tips to visit in the Orkneys are Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar for those who like prehistoric sites, the Italian Chapel and St Magnus Cathedral for beautiful buildings and the Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for a wee dram! She also advises that there are some beautiful beaches and some of the most amazing jewellers and crafts people with their own unique wares.

I am sure you will all wish her a fantastic cruise as she heads off on her first ever cruise in august to Norway with her partner Graham who apparently dislikes boats and as she says that’s not great when you live on an island.

One thing is for sure and that’s the love that Diane and her family feel for Orkney so next time you visit please look out for them and say a big hello.