Rowan & Willow have just spent a magical time,
helping to lead a retreat at Britain's most northerly Unitarian Centre.

Haughland House is situated in a truly beautiful setting on the isle of Shapinsay.
The skies are wide with an ever-changing watercolour pallette of hues.
The ocean can be seen from every viewpoint, rich with blues & greens,
and punctuated with glimpses of other islands.
The land itself is carpeted in the reds, greens & browns of the lush grasslands,
speckled with lots of wildflowers (even this late in the year).
The wind is an elemental force, fresh & singing as it brings a rapidly changing succession of sun & showers.

Haughland House itself is built with the characteristic rugged local sandstone. It is a traditional Orkney farmstead, which has been lovingly restored, extended & modernised, with a huge 'leap of faith' and vision, and a great deal of planning and hard work by Lesley & Bill McKeown.

It can sleep eight, and has spaces for arts & craft activities and meditation/singing/dancing etc. There is also a small chapel with a lovely stained-glass window, (made on the island), depicting the 'flaming chalice'.

Outside, there are gardens with chickens & ducks roaming around happily.
There is a stone labyrinth and a 'totem/May' pole, as well as a space for a fire.
Very soon there will be a lifesize Buddha in his own 'Buddha Garden' too!

A short walk takes you to the 'Mor Stein', a wonderful lichen-covered standing stone.
There are lovely (deserted!) beaches within walking distance, and other delights such as an RSPB reserve and a great example of a Pictish Broch a short drive away.

There is lots on offer at the centre itself - While we were there we:

• sang songs & chants (with lots of percussion accompaniment!),
• danced sacred dances,
• wrote & read Haikus & other poetry,
• visited the Mor Stein and had a ritual to celebrate the Equinox,
• journeyed to find a 'Power Animal',
• took part in Meditation & Yoga sessions,
• participated in a Sunday service in the chapel,
• made bread and
• ate lots of lovely food cooked by Lesley!

...And yet, there was still lots of time and space just to be, to walk, rest, read or whatever.
Each day was rounded with a short pre-breakfast meditation and an evening epilogue.

We met some lovely local people (who come regularly to Meditate, do Yoga and take part in the retreats),
as well as some from further afield (like Linda from Glasgow Unitarians,
who treated us all to a lovely Haiku workshop).

Do yourself a favour, and visit the centre!

Yes, it is a long journey for most - but the peace, the air, the views and the warm welcome are well worth it, and not easy to find anywhere in our frantic world.
The journey itself can be exciting & beautiful too - and has something of the feel of a 'pilgrimage'.

If you are a Unitarian - then please come and support this shining example of 'cutting-edge' Unitarian Universalism in action! (and come away inspired and revitalised).

But you don't need to be a Unitarian to enjoy Haughland House -
All are welcome, of course, of any faith or of none - either to join in a program of activities, or just for some time to be.

For more details visit Haughland House's Website.

Picture Gallery

(Click on the 'thumbnails' below to open pictures)