Orkney Image Library

Oh Raymond, I felt quite sad when I saw this picture. Hawthorn Villa was my dads family home. (Billy Jolly - coal & shipping) I spent many a happy time there, especially up in the top attic room looking over the harbour. Dads youngest sister, Kristine, had a horse which was kept in this field and later on Mr Scotts horses used the field. I used to cross the field and go to see Isla Lament who lived in East Quoy Road. There was a Mrs Sinclair who lived in Snowberry Villa. I think the field belonged to both houses. Sandy Heddle bought Hawthorn when Grandma moved south and I think his daughter Linda, lives in Eastbury. What a shame for the view. It was super to see the ships coming and going from the windows - top or bottom!
My Mum who lives in a house a bit further up East Road, "Akranes", used to have a fantastic view over the bay but it has been spoilt by trees and bushes!
Is there not a law to make people cut down their trees and bushes if it cuts out somebodies view?!
Thank you Raymond for this picture.

I would have loved to have been able to buy Snowberry Villa, kinda glad our budget won't stretch anymore, the building of new houses behind it in the field has put me right off!!

My great grandfather Charles James Low and his wife Gladys lived at Snowberry Villa and I am not sure but it's possible my grandfather Wilfred was born there too.

I grew up in Snowberry Villa. This has definitely made me sad. Eastbury seems to be where Mum's beautiful garden was with my squat-tree den.