A Good Yarn
Have you ever journeyed to Shetland in the far, far north of Britain?
Shaped by dramatic geological movement and a climate that readily appears to rub out the stamp of humans, the Islands offer up other-worldly and ridiculously beautiful landscapes. They are also tough places to inhabit and only 16 of the 100 or so islands have people living on them.
You will have heard of Shetland’s Mainland and perhaps Fetlar and Fair Isle. But how about Muckle Flugga? I promise this is a real and not imagined isle and do not be surprised if you suddenly see it mentioned in newspapers, magazines and media programmes throughout the land. Because a most beautiful story has been written about this extraordinary gathering of rocks, only large enough for one key building - a lighthouse.
Portobello Poet
I first met Michael Pedersen in 2012. We had both been invited to a dinner and as we spoke, I realised I was listening to a Scottish genius.
Michael is a poet and writer who proudly hails from Portobello, a coastal suburb of Edinburgh. He uses words to create texture, colour and beauty like no-one else I have come across. He just can’t help it. Like Mozart’s music, words tumble from Michael’s brain into the ears of us mere mortals and we swoon.
Michael has written acclaimed collections of poetry and in 2022, his prose debut Boy Friends was published. And now, his first novel has landed and yes, it is called Muckle Flugga. Actor Jack Lowden (soon to be the new Mr Darcy for Netflix!) is even narrating the audio version. Oh, the excitement.
Of course, I can‘t tell you anything about the story because I don’t want to spoil it for you. But what I can say, is that a very special lighthouse and the fragility of humans lie at the centre of a stunning tale.
Creative Colour
If and when you visit Shetland, it is the kindness of the islanders and the colours of the land that will stay imprinted forever on your mind. Sun basked or rain pelted, the islands will enable you to feel more alive than ever before and as long as you have the right clothing with you, they will make happy.
Always, even in the summer, pack a scarf. Just in case. And that is exactly what I intend to do when I next visit, because in honour of Michael’s novel, I’ve brought my knitting needles out into the daylight.
Rare Breed
Rebecca McLellan’s yarn is spun from the fleece of her pedigree Castlemilk Moorit sheep. Lauded for her enterprising talent, Rebecca’s Chockflock rare wool enterprise was named Sustainable Produce Retail Outlet of the Year in the 2024 Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards. Rebecca is a bright light that shines out from the world of rare breed sheep, and I am proud to call her my friend (I am also thrilled a nearby meadow will soon be grazed by her flock).
To celebrate Michael’s new novel, Rebecca has been asked to select a palette of her unique yarn for a limited edition of Muckle Flugga kits with which lovers of the story can knit their own scarves. The earthy, joyful tones of the wool are perfect representations of the ruggedly beautiful coastal landscape featured in Michael’s novel. And the wool is gorgeous to work with.
Just like Michael’s storytelling, Rebecca’s wool is precious. I fully expect Michael’s novel to be reprinted many times over by the brilliant Faber & Faber. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how much yarn Rebecca’s flock can produce. So, if you would like to knit your own scarf using her wool, don’t leave it too long before visiting www.chocflock.com to order (from Wednesday 21st May). And once you have read Michael’s book, visit Shetland if you can. The islands and their people are a wonder.
