If ever there was a writer that is associated with a particular place, it is George Mackay Brown. He was born in Stromness and lived here all his life, seldom leaving the town he loved so much and which shaped his work. His subject was Orkney, its people, legends and history. Seen as one of the great Scottish poets of the 20th century and influential well beyond the bounds of Orkney, he was renowned for his ‘astonishing clarity and sureness of imagery.’

Two events in April 2022, organised by the Orkney Arts Society, launched the GMB Trail:

A peedie drift of sand through the hour glass, an evening of Orkney Voices to celebrate the launch of the George MacKay Brown Trail. Hosted by Cameron Stout, Orkney Voices will read an entertaining selection of the works of George Mackay Brown about Stromness, to launch the trail named in his honour.

A Guided walk of the George Mackay Brown Trail. The walk covered sites associated with Mackay Brown’s life in Stromness and also a walk along the shore or 2 miles to visit his grave in Warebeth.

A guide to the Trail itself can be downloaded here: https://georgemackaybrownfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2022/04/gmb-trai...
https://georgemackaybrownfellowship.com/the-george-mackay-brown-trail/
https://orkneyartssociety.wordpress.com/

The launch event was supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund was delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.