Orkney Image Library

Hugh was the son of Donald and Ann Johnston of the Longhope area.

Weel his breaks arna' goan tae faa doon!!.

can anyone translate this for me...not sure what the comment is?

"Weel his breaks arna' goan tae faa doon"

thanks

It looks as if the photo was taken on the land at North Row with the Y.M. in the background.
A lot of folk bought land from the Robertson's of North Row to build their houses in the village.
The Johnston's were related to my granny Catherine Grieve née Lyon. The Lyon's were at one time on Graemsay and so were the Johnston's. If you type cursiter lyon johnston graemsay into google you will find a link.

Was Hughie one of the Navy bus drivers at Lyness, seem to remember him on them, Jimmy Pirie was on them too..

I think Anonymous meant breeks (ie trousers) not breaks.

Looks like he was taking the belt and braces approach to getting dressed, and the translation would read

Well his trousers are not going to fall down.

Richard,as I made the comment it is only right that I try to put it into English for you. We have all heard the term when one makes sure something is strong enough 'Its Belt and Braces'. It would seem the term was born here in Longhope by our own young Hughie Johnston!!.

The translation goes something like this: "Well his trousers are not going to fall down!"

Seriously, the photgoraph has been taken above the village of Longhope and in the background the Y.M.C.A Hall and Green Hill House, are clearly seen, where Hughie is standing is now all built up with houses nothing stays the same even in Longhope, Sorry Vagaland,.

I think the anonymous person is commenting on the fact that Hugh has a belt and braces on therefore his trousers will not fall down!!

I think Hughie was one of the garage mechanics, he likely drove when required along with my father Dod, Davie Swanson,Sandy Pirie, etc.

I should have said that the Allan's owned North Row and the land, their daughter Anna was married to Gordon Robertson.