For the first time in living memory the Shapinsay Agricultural Show and Flower Show are happening on the same day.
Zealots and the superstitious say that such a conjunction will lead to the end of the world, just like in 1983 when there was The Jupiter Alignment. Younger readers may not remember the world ending that year, but I can confirm that Dundee United did pip Celtic to the title by a single point on the last of the season that year.
But it wasn't the end of the world, and visitors to Shapinsay merely run the risk of having a good day out.
Why not take a trip to Shapinsay and enjoy the fine weather and conviviality, and mark this planetary-alignment-like phenomenon without the hassle that Captain Cook had going to Tahiti to see the eclipse?
Ferry sailings:
8.15am 9.45am, 11.30am, 12.45pm from Kirkwall
Return from Shapinsay 1.30pm, 3.15pm, 4.45pm, 7pm
