I'VE just got back to Sunderland after a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks at home. I'm reluctant to call it a holiday as I think I probably worked harder and achieved more in those two weeks than I would have done had I been down here! I was almost full-time in Radio Orkney but also trying to get my dissertation programme finished. Thankfully the 30-minute documentary is now completed and I handed it in last week.
The work is far from over though, as I must also submit a production file including scripts, music reporting forms and contributor information etc. Then a week later, I must hand in a 2500 word evaluation of the production process from the conception of my ideas right through to the final edit. I've learned a heck of a lot from the process though, so there will be plenty to write about.
I've discovered that making a feature-length documentary is a totally different discipline from a short news piece both in terms of its structure and the style of presentation. When I first recorded the documentary links in the studio they sounded far too strident and newsy. After discussion with my tutor I decided to record them 'on location' down at Scapa beach.
I got some funny looks from folk out walking their dog or driving past. I also had to try and record in between boats going out, planes flying over and the council dustcart going past! At least if you happen to have seen me you'll now know that I wasn't just talking into a furry thing at 9am on a beach for no reason!
In light of this year's Orkney population change study which was published last week I'm moved to raise a point about such matters. Throughout my life I have come across people who openly hold the view that incomers are bad for Orkney.
Thankfully these people seem to be in a minority. However such views are apparent enough that I think a debate should be had with a view to persuading such people to modernise their attitude.
The population study clearly shows that several of Orkney's communities are under threat of becoming unsustainable.
Areas highlighted as being in need of attention include North Ronaldsay, Flotta, Graemsay, Eday, Wyre, Egilsay, Rousay, Sanday and Stronsay. Even Hoy, Westray and Shapinsay are listed as having below average economic activity and a reliance on migrants to sustain the population.
I was born here and I've lived here all my life. Between them, my parents have been here for over 60 years and although I consider myself to be an Orcadian it's up to you to make a judgement on that. My point is this; if these few indigenous Orcadians don't embrace 'ferry loupers' as an addition to the work force and perhaps more importantly the gene pool, then this wonderful county is at risk of suffering in the long term. It seems obvious to me that many of the people who move here bring much needed skills, as well as children to fill the schools and young people to marry.
It's also worth mentioning that such anti-incomer views are also very hypocritical. It seems odd that an Orcadian can happily move to Canada or New Zealand to live and work but doesn't like incomers to the county.
There are so many great things about Orkney and the vast majority of people are kind, open minded and forward thinking. However I think the minority, through a feeling nothing short of racism, are potentially fraying a lifeline that is undoubtedly helping Orkney to grow and prosper.
I'm going to step off my soap box for a while now as I think the air up there is getting a bit thin. However I would like to make some comments about the county's only commercial radio station, Superstation Orkney.
I've been listening on and off while I'm home and for the most part I like the music the station plays. However, I had heard rumours that none of the speech shows were actually broadcast live from Kirkwall. It turns out that this is not the case, with the daytime shows all coming from the station's studio in Junction Road.
I do think the station management have missed a bit of a trick though, as there doesn't seem to be any buzz about the station, or indeed much notability about it at all. Most of the listeners I have spoken to seem to regard it as audio wallpaper and a lot of my mates disregard it in favour of Radio 1 or 2.
To me this seems to be a crying shame, as having a radio station that broadcasts music and chat 24/7 in as small a place as Orkney is fantastic. I can't believe that there isn't a good number of young people who love music and wouldn't jump at the chance to get on the radio!? If I wasn't involved with the BBC I would be banging on the Superstation's door every day to try and get a show.
Having spoken to the managing director of the station, I have discovered that they plan to launch a training programme in June to encourage young people to get involved. This will be promoted on the station this month, so keep your ears peeled.
I really hope that some young people get involved as I think the station would benefit greatly from some local knowledge as well as the excitement this would inevitably generate. Let's have some anarchic, loud and exciting radio from the local commercial sector!
That's all for this month. I have mixed feelings over the fact that the next time I write I'll have finished my degree and left university, probably forever. For those of you frantically trying to get things finished, as I am this month, I wish you the best of luck. Cheerio.
