#St. Ninians Isle

[calochortus]

St. Ninian's Isle by Peter Stenzel

[thesilicontribesman]

St. Ninian's Isle Hoard Pennanular Brooch Selection, 8th Century CE, The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

[supersapphical]

Post canon Billiewena :)

OH billiewena, one of my favorite pairings!!!! Not gonna lie, keeping this one short was a challenge because post canon billiewena makes me want to write a whole fix it fic BUT I hope I did them justice in this short fic.

Billie and Rowena share a moment together at the end of the world. Read on AO3 or under the cut.

The reshaping of a universe without Chuck would take time, is taking time, did take time and also took no time at all. Time had to be reinvented during the reshaping of the cosmos and it took centuries and it took milliseconds and it is still taking place and has been taking place since before Chuck came into existence.

Billie, as a being of the cosmos, can feel all the other cosmic beings reworking their way through the strings of creation and she can also feel one cosmic being who is uncharacteristically still among the frantic busyness of a universe being remade.

Rowena, ruler of Hell, is sitting along the coastline of St. Ninian’s Isle, sipping a carefully brewed cup of tea. She’s in a rocking chair on a porch looking out towards the coastline off in the distance. (The entire residence will be undone in the remaking of the new world; in fact, it has already been undone.) It’s overcast but not currently raining, with enough of a chill in the air that a human might be bothered by it.

“You’re having a cup of tea at the end of the world?” Billie asks her, appearing by her side.

“There’s nothing a nice wee cup of tea can’t fix,” the queen of hell responds, calmly taking a sip. “It’s Scottish blend, the finest. Do you think it will taste different after all of this is done?”

“To us, yes,” Billie replies. “To the humans, probably not.”

Rowena sighs, “Another lovely thing lost to the passage of time.”

“More like the restructuring of time,” Billie says.

“Would you care to stay and watch for a while?” Rowena asks her.

Billie moves to stand beside Rowena in her rocking chair, looking off into the distance in the same direction Rowena does.

“I don’t suppose you’d care for some?” Rowena asks, indicating the mug in her hands.

“Human creature comforts aren’t really…my thing,” Billie says, raising an eyebrow.

“They used to be my thing,” Rowena sighs. “All I ever wanted was…”

“To be unkillable and to have every comfort in the world,” Billie finishes for her.

“That’s not too much to ask, is it?” Rowena asks primly, taking another sip of tea.

“What’s troubling you, Rowena?” Billie asks. She can feel Rowena’s energy, so still among a universe of movement. The only stagnant area in the whole of existence right now is this quiet moment Rowena has manufactured.

“Every particle in the universe is changing and most people won’t even notice the difference,” Rowena says softly.

“You’ve seen a lot—for a human,” Billie says.

“I’m not a human any longer,” Rowena sighs.

“Do you wish you still were?” Billie’s never been human but she knows how sentimental they can be, she can feel all living things deeply through their connection to death. “You’re more powerful now than you ever were before.”

“No amount of power can make you happy. I learned that over the years,” Rowena says. “And my son…he sacrificed himself rather than stay in the role I currently have.”

“That doesn’t really answer my question,” Billie says.

“No one can stay a human forever,” Rowena replies, eyes distant as she looks towards the coastline. “Not even in this new, hopefully better world. I suppose my post human life is better than others.”

Billie refrains from pointing out that that answer is still a non-answer and instead she says, “This is different to the creation of the world and yet—still so similar.”

“You’ve seen a lot—for a reaper,” Rowena says.

“I’m not a reaper anymore,” Billie says.

“Do you wish you still were?” Rowena asks, taking another sip of her tea.

“Being Death is…different,” Billie shrugs. “Sometimes there’s no better or worse. Things just are the way they are.”

“Like my becoming queen of hell,” Rowena says, the tea cup in her right hand gently clinking as it hits the saucer in her left hand. “Though I suppose the transition was easier for you.”

“Perhaps not,” Billie says.

“It wasn’t easier for you?” Rowena asks. “Aren’t reapers and Death made of the same…stuff? You feel similar to your reapers.”

“I suppose it's true we were made from the same cosmic powers,” Billie says. “We are connected but we are not…one. And being Death it’s…the grand scheme of things is clearer. I’m no longer a reaper working as a single cog in the mechanism of fate. Now I’m…”

“The engineer sent to fix the mechanism of fate?” Rowena suggests.

“Hm, I suppose that’s an apt enough metaphor,” Billie says.

“And that’s hard for you? Hard enough that you think this change was easier for me?”

“Human beings…they’re in a constant state of flux,” Billie muses. "For a human to become something that is no longer human is just another change for you in your ever changing lives.”

“You thought you’d be a reaper forever,” Rowena says sympathetically.

“I’ve been a reaper since before this world was born, I always thought I’d be a reaper when it ended,” Billie says quietly.

Rowena sets her teacup down and stands up. Moving close to her, she gently places her hand on Billie’s face, her thumb stroking Billie’s cheekbone. Billie can feel her energy reaching out and Billie sighs a bit and allows Rowena in. Rowena had been one of the most powerful humans Billie had ever met but she had still been human. Now, as ruler of hell, she’s made of something more celestial. Rowena’s energy washes over her. Her steadfast resolve is something that Billie has always admired. Rowena has been knocked down many times and she has never failed to get back up again. It’s so very human of her and something that comforts Billie in this moment, when everything around her is changing. Rowena’s energy flows through her, an energy that knows how to meet adversity and bend but not break. Billie remembers when she comforted Rowena with words when she was a witch. Words were the only thing her human brain would have understood. Now Rowena is able to soothe her with a cosmic exchange of energies a human would never understand.

They stand there together while the reshaping of the world goes on around them, for a single moment and for many moments and for every moment that ever existed and ever will exist. They stand there while time stretches on and wraps around them and skips ahead and reverses and repeats, swirling frantically around this one moment held still by Rowena’s powers.

“It’s the end of the world as we know it,” Rowena gives Billie a sly smile. “And how are we feeling?”

“I feel fine,” Billie’s mouth twitches but she doesn’t allow herself to smile at Rowena’s joke.

“Will we still have that song in this brand new world order?” Rowena asks.

“In some iteration or another,” Billie says.

“I suppose I’ve been idle long enough,” Rowena sighs, letting her hand fall and stepping away. “Time to dive back into the chaos, then?"

“Well, it wouldn't be much of a universe without either of us," Billie says.

Rowena gives her a small, satisfied smile.

Billie dematerializes first, her consciousness moving away from the frozen moment she shared with Rowena and out towards the magnificent chaos of a whole universe being reorientated. Rowena soon follows, chasing after her into a swirling mass of primordial atoms that were to become and have become and are the brand new universe.

[dknuth]

Shetland

We took the overnight ferry from Kirkwall, Orkney, to Lerwick Shetland, arriving at 7 AM. We then headed straight out to Old Scatness, an Iron Age village and broch that our tour leader, Val Turner, had excavated.

We got a good description of the site and a discussion on the excavation and the decisions regarding the excavation, preservation, and display of the site. Those objectives are frequently in conflict. For a purely archeological dig, an excavation down to virgin ground would provide the most information but would destroy the upper levels, preventing further analysis of those layers in the future and presentation of them to the public. Presentation to the public might require restoration of fallen walls, the creation of safe passages, etc., disturbing the site. Leaving the site open exposes it to the weather and further decay. There is no perfect answer.

The walls are not as well preserved as at some of the other sites, making it harder to understand. It is even harder in photos. So here is an aerial of the site for better orientation.

You can see that some houses intersect with others while others squeeze into spaces. This shouldn't be a surprise in a location that has been used for hundreds of years. The large circle in the top center was a Pictish broch, which had lost its function as a defense structure. The interior was remodeled in at least two different forms.

At the center of that, you can see the curved edges of the open space. This is referred to as a wheelhouse, and those spaces had a corbelled roof over them, a design that developed between the Neolithic and Iron Ages.

Here Val demonstrates the concept.

Recreations of a wheelhouse were built and really help to understand that concept.

A model also helps understand the broch.

It struck me that in this part of the world, people changed from very temporary structures and a module life to stone structures that were used for hundreds to thousands of years. They then used those same basic designs for over 3,000 years.

We then went to St. Ninian's Isle, which is connected to the mainland by a strip of sand with beaches on both sides.

There we had lunch at the ruins of a small Christian chapel famous for a hoard of silver objects found under the floor.

We then drove to the east coast of the island and took a small ferry to the Island of Mousa, a bird sanctuary and the location of the best-preserved broch on Shetland.

There is also the ruin of an 18th-century house nearby.

The broch is in very good shape possibly a result of its remote location and the good quality of the local stone.

The interior is also in good condition.

There were more openings in the interior layer of walls than I expected. Some were probably storerooms, and others were staircases to the upper floors and even to the top. The broch had been used by seabirds for many years, so when the inside was cleaned out, there was a lot of guano! Luckily, that was all gone.

The floor is higher than the original, so it was even taller on the inside. It's quite a work of drystone masonry.

[martin-james2121]

Uncover These Hidden Gems of Shetland Islands That’ll Leave You Mesmerized

Shetland, also known as the Shetland Islands, is an archipelago nestled at the northernmost point of the United Kingdom. This place is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique wildlife. While often overshadowed by more popular destinations, this place offers abundant hidden gems waiting to be explored. 

Every place here offers a unique glimpse into this remote archipelago's natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, hike along dramatic cliffs, or simply relax on an isolated beach, the Shetland Islands promise an unforgettable adventure. 

1. St Ninian's Isle

St Ninian’s Isle is a small-tied island connected by a sandy tombolo, a natural sandbar, to the Shetland mainland, being one of the finest examples of such a formation in Europe. The crystal-clear waters on either side of the tombolo are perfect for a refreshing dip, while the island itself offers historical intrigue. This isle is famous for the discovery of a treasure hoard in 1958, including beautiful silver artifacts dating back to the 8th century.

To Read More Click Here...

[churchwow]

In the Footsteps of the Saints

The Machars of Galloway have a long association with  St Ninian (whose shrine in Whithorn was once the prime pilgrimage site in Scotland) and other early Christian saints. Throughout the Summer we are offering a programme of short pilgrimage-style events at various sites around the area. These will involve a walk  of around half an hour in the beautiful Galloway countryside, pausing along the way to connect with our surroundings and the spiritual dimension beyond, and will each conclude with a short act of prayer and reflection at a particular holy site. Where possible these will link in with the weekly Ninian Moments acts of prayer inWhithorn and Wigtown.

Some events will be dependent on the tide to allow access to parts of the route  so it is not possible to give exact times in advance - see website. 

All events are open to locals and visitors alike and are free of charge (donations welcome).  Please dress for the weather. Stout shoes are advisable. You participate at your own risk.

First Tuesday of the Month

St Ninian and the church in Whithorn

Meet at Rispain Camp (between Whithorn and Glasserton) at 10.45am

Third Tuesday of the Month

Various locations, including Physgill Glen & Ninian’s Cave,  St Medan’s Church & Well, Isle of Whithorn & St Ninian’s Chapel

(Please see our website for details)

Mondays 8 July,  26 August, 30 September

The Wigtown Martyrs

Meet at Wigtown Market Cross at 10.45am

[safereturndoubtful]

On St Ninian’s Beach

26th June 2023

I had booked the most basic accommodation on the overnight boat from Kirkwall to Lerwick, a reclining seat. But I had hoped not to use it, preferring the illegal option of staying in my van bed. I had researched on the internet and read that it was something truckers did do. An article from an incident in January of 2006 was easily found, when in stormy conditions three trucks had toppled over during the crossing. On arrival in Lerwick it was found 6 drivers had stayed in their cabs, one stuck there until he was rescued.

Northlink stresses how dangerous it is, yet they are quite happy to let my dog stay there.. do they value his life any less than mine? By circumstance rather than choice, I boarded last, and had to reverse on with the studious attention of all the boarding crew. At the appropriate moment I disappeared behind the curtain. They either didn’t see, or weren’t bothered. Before the boat sailed I was in bed, waking at 7:15 am as drivers returned to their vehicles. The coach driver next to me gave me a knowing nod. It was clear he had done the same.

By 8 am I was at St Ninian’s Beach, about a half hour drive away, in heavy rain and just 9C. Roja and I had breakfast, and I read while Roja dozed and the rain eased, and by mid-morning the cloud cleared and the sun emerged.

This is my second visit of the year to the Wild Atlantic coast, the first being the Costa del Morte in Galicia in February, equally impressive.

The first photo is of the ruin of St Ninians’s Chapel, which dates back to the 12th Century. Before that it was an Iron Age Burial Ground. It’s other claim to fame is that in 1958 a local schoolboy found a wooden box on the site, which contained 28 silver objects of Pictish treasure.

St Ninian’s Isle is quite a spectacular sight from the car park, with its jagged rock cliffs, strikingly green pasture, and it’s shell-sand tombolo, the finest example of one in Western Europe. It is occasionally breached, in storms and at high tide, but today it was at its best, a superb wander though Roja chose not to use it and swim alongside for most of the way.

The perimeter of the Isle is about four and a half miles, but most who walk as far as the island, then choose shortcuts. As with most of the ocean facing coasts here, the south and west headlands are the wildest and most spectacular. There were a few other visitors. I met the couple in the other campervan at the carpark, from Durham, and prior to that at Dentdale, and we chatted for a while.

We were back at the van for 2 pm, and spent the afternoon with the dramatic backdrop trying to concentrate enough to attend to a few business matters.

Last week here was the Shetland Noir Book Festival, attended by writers such as Martin Edwards, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Elly Griffiths. They even had a session here at St Ninian’s Beach. Cleeves write the Shetland series, that has now been adapted for television. It strikes me that the literary body count here on the tranquil Shetland Islands is bigger than most places, with the possible exception of Midsomer.

These rocky outcrops put me in mind of Chris Cameron, who is currently mid-way through his 60 day record attempt for the longest stay on a remote uninhabited North Atlantic rock, on Rockall, 200 miles west of St Kilda, and 300 miles from the mainland. It says a lot about the teaching profession that a guy has to go to such lengths to get a peaceful break. Maybe he won’t return to his post, and stay on Rockall.

Roja seems unbothered by the various dive-bomb attacks from the sea birds he receives. They concern themselves with him rather than me thankfully. With my untrained eye, those who bombed him include, the Fulmar which comes off the cliffs and hovers in the wind, the territorial Curlew with its recognisable squeal and curved beak from the scrub land, and the much rarer Arctic Tern from its slumber in the grass.

And a ‘spot-the-van’ pic..

[on-misty-mountains]

St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland

This island can be reached via a 'tombolo’, which forms this interesting X-shape. (A ‘tombolo’ is a strip of land, often created through deposited material over time, which attaches an island to the mainland, creating a ‘tied island’.) There you find the remains of a 12th Century chapel, dedicated to St Ninian. On the 4th of July 1958 a local schoolboy by the name of Douglas Coutts discovered treasure under a slab marked with a cross on the chapel site. It turned out to be 28 pieces of Pictish silver artefacts, many of them jewellery, and the jawbone of a porpoise. This treasure was likely hidden during a Viking raid around 800 AD. The original items can be seen in the National Museum of Scotland.  

Video footage here. 

[dramoor]

“When we take communion with Christ we drink at the very spring of life.”

~Ernesto Cardenal

(Photo © dramoor 2018 St. Ninian’s ancient spring, Kilninian, Isle of Mull, Scotland)

[scotianostra]

19 St Ninian's Isle - Explored :-) by Nicole Via Flickr: St Ninian's Isle is a small tied island connected by the largest tombolo in the UK to the south-western coast of the Mainland, Shetland, in Scotland. The tombolo, known locally as an ayre from the Old Norse for "gravel bank"is 500 metres long. During the summer the tombolo is above sea level and accessible to walkers. During winter, stronger wave action removes sand from the beach so that it is usually covered at high tide, and occasionally throughout the tidal cycle, until the sand is returned the following spring. Depending on the definition used, St. Ninian's is thus either an island, or a peninsula; it has an area of about 72 hectares. .

[this-wandering-mind]

26/5/19

We wandered around the picturesque harbour town at the Isle of Whithorn, where the ruins of St Ninian’s chapel stand.

[azvolrien]

St Ninian’s Isle is a little bigger than it looks from the shore; walking its full coastline takes a couple of hours. It’s a good place to indulge the urge to stand dramatically on clifftops.

I think that stack in the bottom photo looks a bit like a maneki-neko seen from the side.

[thesilicontribesman]

St. Ninian's Isle Hoard, The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

[natures-moments]

St. Ninian's Isle, Scotland

[thesilversun]

Most of my stuff on here tends to fandom or baking, with the occasional bit of walking.

I work in an office these days (for a lots of years tbh at this point)

But I used to study & then work in archaeology once.

So here are a few photos of Shetland. Stanydale (1st pic) Mousa

(Some of us students on the Mousa ferry, St Ninians Isle, camping on St Ninians &sunset passing Fair Isle (I’m the one white jumper with blue fleece in front row)

I don’t have load of pics of back then - it was pre-digital camera/smart phones back in 2000

I’d love to go back there again one day.

[kiteknots]

St Ninians Isle // Shetland