Best summer school ever

THOSE keen to learn more about the traditions and folklore of Orkney and Shetland have another chance to enrol on one or more of this year’s summer schools hosted by the Centre of Nordic Studies.

Now in its third year, the summer school programme has been hailed as a resounding success.

Students are taken on week long courses in either Orkney or Shetland to gain in depth knowledge of cultural traditions, language, literature, history and landscape.

This summer students can choose from four different courses to experience a holiday with a difference.

The two Orkney summer schools ‘Orkney Cultural Traditions and Folklore’ and ‘Orkney Writers and Landscape’ both run from 28 June until 2 July.

The two Shetland schools ‘Shetland Cultural Traditions and Folklore’ and ‘Shetland History and Landscape’ run between 19 and 23 July.

Each day will start with a lecture at either Orkney College or the NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway, to be followed by field trips in the afternoon.

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Participants will also be able to enjoy local traditional music events and music workshops.

After completing last year’s summer school, student Cherry Macintyre from Fife summed it up as: “Expert lecturers and brilliant structure. Loved every minute.”

Jane Blair MacMorran from East Tennessee State University said it was “the best summer school we have ever attended”, while Anna Lipinska from Orkney vowed to be back again next time.

All summer schools are open to everyone, no prior knowledge is required. The cost is £200 per week, which includes field trips and evening activities.

Day rates are also available for Orkney and Shetland residents who want to pick and mix.

For more information and enrolment is available at www.nordic.ac.uk , or by writing to cns@orkney.uhi.ac.uk or calling the Centre for Nordic Studies on 01856 569 300.