Orkney Image Library

The pipers playing at the Westray Regatta and on board the Spirit Dancer were from 3 diffferent pipe bands - Jedburgh, Melrose & Stow (all in the Scottish Borders).

I wish that I had been there to see and hear the pipers. I do hope to get to Westray befor I am to old to travel. Last year I learned that my Grandfather, William Meil, was born at the Cott of Cleat as was his father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was one of five boys. He with another brother came to the US in the 1880's.

Hi, make the effort Robert. You have relatives on the island who will be happy to meet you and update you on your family history.

I wish to thank Linda Drever for her note. My older brother Irwin Brown met George Meil Drever when he made it to Westray last year. I am still farming on a very small scale as I have 1 acre in watermelon and another half acre divided into patches of sugar snap peas, sweet corn, potatoes and tomatoes. I hope to learn more about the agriculture of the Orkneys that allowed my greatgrandfather to raise 5 sons. What a feeding chore it must have been.

I was so happy to find this photo. I was in Westray with my sister and granddaughter in 2009 and the sight and sound of the canoe with the pipers playing was truly magical. A wonderful memory that will be with me always.

Thank you all for your comments.