Orkney Image Library

Probably taken by the headmaster Eric Rhodes,a keen photographer,who had been in Hoy Primary before South Walls. His oldest so created such a fuss that was enrolled in school aged 4

Hi Paul I believe you became a Doctor and at one time in Aberdeen what became of the others of your family?.

Your dad lifted me up in the high school window and asked what I wanted to be when I grew up "A teacher because they make lots of money" was my cheeky reply. We bought your sheep Gwen, Dotty and Roman Nose when you left the island and walked them home on ropes, they lived on for many years and had lots of lambs :-)

John, correct. Vivian in Australia working for Naval Intelligence. Colin lives in Glasgow and owns nursing homes. The youngest, Elaine, who was born in the South Walls schoolhouse is a physiotherapist working in the Scilies Isles. So Island living stil in her blood.

I am pleased to hear that the sheep had a long life. One of my chores was to move the peg so the sheep could daily access fresh grass.

Paul so nice to hear from you and how your family are , I married Isa Dunnet who sadly died aged only 33, we are all now retired or near retirement and some of the above are no longer with us, I remember your Dad having a new Vauxhall Cresta two tone yellow while you were at South Walls it was like an American car only seen in a magazine not on Hoy, I only remember Vivian not the other members of your Family.

The sheep here mentioned were owned by the Mr and Mrs Mack who were the teachers at South Walls School before Mr Rhodes . Mrs Macks father used to tend the sheep when he spent time with the Macks at the School her Dad was a native of Shetland, Jamison was his surname.

I've been wondering if you knew or are related to Tom Rhodes who had a T.V shop in Kirkwall accross from the Royal (now Orkney) Hotel. My grandfather was in Radar in it's early days in the Royal Navy and was born in Blackpool. Looking for any info anyone might have.

Sorry no relation. Paul