We've reached mid March, and the days are slowly growing lighter here in Orkney. Our Stromness and Kirkwall shops are brimming with new Spring stock, carefully selected to bring us into a new season.
We’ve been enjoying a beautiful new book that has just arrived, filled with seasonal recipes to make the most of the last chilly days of winter. Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for a little teaser of something very exciting coming soon — we can’t wait to share it with you.
15 Years Of Making
A few weeks ago, I shared this photo on Facebook to mark International Women’s Day, and I was so touched by the response it received. It really made me reflect on how strong, resilient, and quite remarkable women are. We’ve all come such a long way, often without stopping to notice it, so it felt like the perfect time to pause for a moment and appreciate that. If you didn’t see the post at the time, I’ve added the link below.
Fraser's Fruit & Veg
We love the story of Fraser Reid, the Dundee shopkeeper behind Fraser’s Fruit & Veg, which he opened in 2009. It was through conversations with customers in the shop that he came up with the idea for his now-famous Soup Bags. The idea proved so popular that it eventually became Seasonal Soups, a cookbook published by Kitchen Press that has sold more than 14,000 copies. We’re delighted to say that we now stock Fraser’s book in our shops and online, as well as the wider Kitchen Press series.
Mermaid Treasures
Just polished and added to our website, this OOAK Storybook Ring, set with an amazing aquamarine gemstone — March’s birthstone. Its soft, watery hue carries the quiet magic of the sea. No two 'One Of A Kind' rings are ever the same and make a perfect gift for March birthdays or anyone enchanted by the magic of one-of-a-kind treasures.
From New Zealand To Orkney
A story that grabbed our attention on BBC Radio Orkney this week was that of Cathleen Hourie from Heathfield in St Ola, whose quest for a vintage 1970 Austin 3 Litre took an extraordinary turn. Thinking the car she found online was a scam—especially when she saw it was in New Zealand—she was stunned when its owner, 86-year-old Dutch classic-car enthusiast Hans Compter, not only shipped it but drove it himself in his vintage Opel Blitz all the way to Orkney....
The Little Mermaid
So much of our jewellery is inspired by stories. From our Storybook collection, with pieces that echo well-thumbed pages, to our aquamarine designs, affectionately referred to as “mermaid treasures,” we love how tales can spark imagination. One of our favourites is the classic Little Mermaid, full of enchanting stories, and we’re delighted be stocking it soon.
COMING SOON
Shell Collector Charm Bracelet
As the seasons shift, the harsh winter winds are easing and the days are slowly growing lighter. It’s the perfect time to take a little wander along the beaches, breathing in the fresh air and spotting tiny treasures along the way. We’ve been loving our charm collector bracelet for these moments, each charm a little keepsake of a walk, a memory, or a bit of seaside joy.
From Beyond The Bench
There’s been lots happening behind the scenes this week as we prepare for a very exciting announcement. We’ve received so many emails asking about it, and if you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know this means we’re getting ready for our very special, once-a-year event. Keep your eyes peeled — more details will be coming very soon!
