Orkney Image Library

Advertisement from Peace's Almanac for 1895:- "T. & J. Heddle, Fleshers, Saddlers, Grain and Manure Merchants, 18 and 20 Shore Street, Kirkwall, Established 1859. Packhard's Challenge Manures. Feeding Stuffs, Whole and Ground. Linseed and Cotton Cakes. Locust Beans, Bran, Indian Meal, Treacle, &c. Oatmeal, Beremeal, and Flour. Gig, Horse, and Knee Rugs, Rollers, & Surcingles. Riding Saddles & Bridles. Brushes, Combs, Whips, Bits, Horse Clippers. Mill Belting and Mill Oil, Harness Oils, &c. Gig and Cart Harness(New and Second-Hand) always on hand. All kinds of Saddlery kept in Stock. Grain Sacks. Agricultural Machinery of all kinds, including Ploughs, Rakes, Harrows, Bruisers, etc. Sole Agents for the "Brantford" Light Steel Binders, Lists on application. T. & J. Heddle, Kirkwall." According to my dictionary, a surcingle is a girth or strap for holding a saddle on an animal's back. You learn something every day!

There is much information to be gained from the chimneys Brandy, I believe Armitage Shanks keep records dating back to 1932. I should contact them.

Wae hiv a bridle here made by Craigie Saddler Stromness, hid wiz the bridle o the last horse at the Burnhouse.
Anyone remember where he worked fae?

As someone who loves horses and spends a small fortune on saddlery and tack, I was very taken with this photo, the quality of the harness makes me almost smell the leather nearly 100 years later and want to buy it.!