Martin Laird

Oct 20, 2024 | theorkneynews.scot | Fiona Grahame |Martin Laird

By Fiona Grahame, Images by Martin Laird. Plastic ropes, nets and cable ties are amongst the most plentiful pieces of marine litter to be found both in the seas and washed ashore. They have become an indispensable material for farmers, fishers and an essential component in packaging. And yet their use is relatively recent. Straw was once the choice material for Orcadians which they skilfully twisted and prepared for  a myriad of uses around the farmstead.

Aug 3, 2024 | theorkneynews.scot | Martin Laird

By Fiona Grahame Images by Martin LairdIt was a time when the two independent nations of England and Scotland shared one king. It was a time of Covenanters and Cavaliers. It was a time of civil war, betrayal and regicide. On 20 January 1649, a High Court set up by the English Parliament charged King Charles I of  high treason ‘against the realm of England’. He had been handed over to them by Scottish forces who he had surrendered to, for repayment of a debt. Ten days later he was executed.

Jul 24, 2024 | theorkneynews.scot | Martin Laird

By Fiona Grahame Images By Martin LairdWritten in the 13th century, by an Icelandic monk, The Orkneyinga Saga, tells of the exploits of the Viking Earls of Orkney. The most colourful character of all in the stories, however, is not an Earl at all. Described in the Saga as: ‘the greatest man the western world has ever seen in ancient and modern times’- this is part of his story. Svein Asleifarson, was born in Caithness to Olaf Hrolfsson and Asleif.

Jul 9, 2024 | theorkneynews.scot | Martin Laird

From noon today you can watch a short film about Orkney based Artist Ralph Robinson, who signs his work as Robinson RR, on the Orkney News YouTube channel. Ralph spoke to fellow artist Martin Laird on location at his current exhibition Times and Tides: Allegories of our days, at Northlight in Stromness. Ralph talks through some of the artwork on display in Northlight gallery, and explains his motivations for becoming an artist following a career as a teacher.

Jun 28, 2024 | theorkneynews.scot | Martin Laird

bringing you the community news in Orkney Film & Television This Friday, 28th June 2024, sees the online premiere of the film Martin Laird has made with fellow Orkney artist Vernon Bradley, Dimittit In Artes. You can join the two for an “arty farty watch party“, live streamed at 8.30pm via Martin’s YouTube channel.