Orkney Image Library

Deerness L.S.A. in 1924

Back L-R Jock Foubister (Garth), Willie Ritch (Fea), Tommy Kirkness (Howes), James Foubister(Garth), Volunteer in Charge James Ritch(Fea), Rob Seatter (Lower Grittley), Robbie Tait (Holland), William Stove(Little Millhouse), James Groat(Nethersands), David Osborne(Gairsty), Dave Spence (North Windbrake), Jim Petrie (Ha').

Front L-R Jim Johnston (Mirland), James Hourie (Kirkhouse), Jock Petrie Stonehall), David Ritch (Fea), James Cromarty (New Holland), Jock Ritch (Grind), Charlie Mowat (Cellardyke).

Until a couple of years ago we had a boat built by a Wm Ritch, Fea, Deerness. She is a very nice boat and is still in Longhope. Built in 1953, I was told that he used her for creeling but later she was used to do salvage on the blockships by some people fae sooth who let her sink in Weddel Soond, and was raised and sold to Mr T Stout of Westray and spent a long time there. Jacko Leslie took her to Longhope and fished with her. After his death we had her done up by John Mowat, Brims. She is still in good order and a credit to her builder.
Was that the same man as can be seen second right in the back row?
The boat is named Anitra II.

Pretty sure that is Willie o Fea who built boats I delivered timber to him from Bakie`s woodyard 1956/1968 when I drove the Deerness Co-op lorry.I also had a boat built by Willie called Spray which I sold to Dan Grieve in 1964.

Yes John Thats William Ritch of Southernwood, next door to Fea where his brother Davie and his wife Maggie lived.
In the 1950's Willie was the officer in charge of the LSA and built his boats in the shed at Southernwood which now belongs to my uncle Kenny Ritch. Although no direct blood relation he was a good friend of our family. My dad John remembers Anitra II in the shed before he launched her. Willie had built a few smaller boats mainly yoles ans dinghies and a square stern boat for the relief of keepers on Copinsay possibly called Osprey, but your boat was the biggest he built in that shed. Willie's main occupation was small line fishing and creeling along with his brother-inlaw Sandy Wylie, working from the geo in Deerness.

I forgot to say that Jock Ritch in the front row was my great-grandad

To cornfirm that the man second left is Willie Ritch who built boats and his brother Davie is at the fornt of the picture also their father James Ritch fifth from left back row (volunteer in charge at that time). Willie also built the Skua for Eric Linklater which I beleive is in storage at Lyness. Willie and Davie are my grand uncles and James my great grandfather, so I used to visit Fea, Southernwood and Richmond in my younger days.

Hello my name is Jo Osborne from Cardiff South Wales. I have recently been told by my 98 year old grandmother that our family name originated in Orkney. David Osborne of Garisty is one of the only links to the name I have found so far would be really grateful of any other Osbornes on Orkney information
cheers
jo osborne

Hi Jo. I remember David Osborne living at the Gairsty in Deerness. He was certainly living there in the 1940/50 era when as children we walked past the house going to school. I think he had a sister called Willomena(not sure of the spelling). I also think there could be some relations of David still in Orkney. I could make some enquiries if you wish.

Hello Colin
I would be very pleased if you could further enquiries about david osborne. We believe we have peacey as a middle name if any use thanks for the help.
much appreciated jo osborne

James Johnston was my grandfather - famous for playing the fiddle and composing tunes!

Hello again Jo Osborne
I have been able to get quite a lot of information about your relatives too much to put on here but if you get in touch with me at
[email protected] I would be pleased to pass it on to you.
Colin Wylie

thank you colin will contact you on your email address thanks for all the help
jo

Surely this Jim Johnston is Jimmick's Dad born 3/8/1861? He was my G.Grandma's brother. Does anyone know anything about Charlie Mowat? Coincidentally my Dad was born in Cellardyke and it's rather a small place!

I would agree that this Jim Johnston(e)in the front row (with an e ? - debateable because it was added at some time) is not my Grandfather but his father.
regards to all
Stewart

For Colin Wylie and Jo Osborne.

I don't know if this information will fit with your knowledge of David Osborne, but my father, James David Osborne Langskaill, was born in Deerness to Wilhelmina and, I think, Charles, Langskaill on 9 July 1908. He attended Kirkwall Grammar School, then Heriot Watt University, where he studied pharmacy. He spent most of his working life as a manager with Boots the Chemist, partly in Kirkwall where my brother, David, was born on 31 January 1948, followed by me in January 1951. (We have two older sisters, who were born in North Berwick - Ann in February 1937 and Alison - known as Wendy - in July 1940). Dad returned to the mainland in 1952, still with Boots, and lived in Dunfermline all the rest of his life. He died in September 1989. Perhaps your David Osborne was his Uncle Davy?

Regards

Fiona Langskaill

Hi Fiona

You are correct that David Osborne was David Langskaill`s uncle as i remember and knew David Langskaill when he worked in Boots and was aware of the connection with the Osborne`s from the Gairsty.
Regards Colin Wylie

We have purchased Cellardyke and are planning to restore it.
We have traced some of the family tree who lived there
And would be very interested to learn anything of the building
Or the family's history

Hi, my name is Marie. My maternal great grandmother was Ann Kirkness of Grindigarth, Deerness, daughter of William Kirkness and Ann Bichan. I have seen New Grindigarth on an old map. Is that the same place? Or is there a Grindigarth and a New Grindigarth. Can anyone help?

Hi Marie Lavery just noticed query to day Grindigar and new Grindigar are two different places but situated quite close together.Grinddigar is still livable but new Grindiar is a shed.

Hello Colin
Thanks for your helpful reply. Sorry I have only just noticed this. I wondered about it for some time.
Many thanks again
Marie

Interesting records. Regarding Willie Ritch - does the name Sea Astrid ring a bell??? Build by Willie in 1948. I will shortly post a note about her.