Our first ‘Storylines’ workshop took place in Kirkwall at the King Street Halls on August 30th. In an open public call, we invited people to come and share their stories of oil and gas in Orkney, of when it arrived, the changes and the challenges, how it has impacted Orkney and the people connected with it over the years.
Facilitated by Kolekto and the UHI TRANSECTs team, the workshop was run in partnership with The Flotta Heritage Trust, who hold a fascinating archive on the development and impact of the oil industry, both through the Flotta Oil Terminal, and Orkney in general. Together we mounted a small exhibition which served as a starting point for folk to share their personal memories, stories and objects. We were especially interested to hear how individuals and communities in Orkney had responded and adapted to change with the arrival of the oil industry in the 1970s.
Our next ‘Storylines’ workshop will be held at the Warehouse Building, Stromness Library on Saturday 4th October and will be themed around Whales & Whale Oil.