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Fire and ice: a winter on North Ronaldsay, the exhibition of new work by Orkney-based photographer Sue Mara, re-opens this week for a second showing - this time at Beach Gallery, Hoy's latest exhibition space, on Thursday 29 August.

About Fire and ice

Could I survive an Orkney winter, let alone a North Ronaldsay one? moving from southern England to a tiny windswept isle in October for 6 months felt like jumping in at the deep end, but I was curious to find out.

Keeping warm in a cottage heated solely by a coal stove was a satisfying challenge, rewarded by cosy nights snuggled by the flames as the wind howled a banshee round the eaves. My lullaby was the wild waves crashing on the rocks, yards from my pillow.

Living so close to the elements was deeply pleasurable. I lingered often by the window, drawn by the ever-changing drama of sky hues and light quality through the short hours of day. One of the most exciting times was the two days of snow we had in January, a brief thin blanketing that transformed landscape sound, texture, shape and colour into an unfamiliar other world.

And every night, my pre-bedtime ritual was to peek through the front door to check the lighthouse beam and its endless 10-second circlings. No matter how thick the cloud, how black or wild the night, there it swung, unfailingly - the comforting lantern of the night-watch.

In the end, it wasn't just about survival - more a thriving, on light, wind, wave, fire, and the warmth, kindness and company of people.

Beach Gallery is an art exhibition space, located next to a quiet beach on the island of Hoy, Orkney. There's also a small display and online shop of locally made art and craft work. A range of art classes are often available.

Said Beach Gallery owner Carolyn Shepherd: "I’m thrilled Sue is bringing her exhibition to Hoy, and am so pleased that we could accommodate her show at fairly short notice. I admire artists that create their own opportunities to take their show on the road and make creativity happen. Being open to artist-led spontaneity like this makes the gallery feel fluid and fresh, so we’re excited to help with this."

And on Sunday 8 September there will be a Meet the Artist day at the gallery.

Open daily from 11 am - 3 pm daily

, Culture & Events, Hoy & Graemsay