On Friday RSPB volunteers Gerry and Ian braved wild seas, thunder and lightning, and hailstones the size of marbles, all so that they could spend the day on the Hoy reserve planting native birch seedlings at White Glen, an area of the reserve where the planting of native species - mainly downy birch and rowan - is ongoing.
They did a great job and the trees are still standing after an exceptionally windy weekend on the island. Hopefully the trees will do well and be there for many years to come, attracting birds, providing shelter and adding to an area of woodland which local folk and visitors will be able to enjoy.
Storm clouds over the Hoy hills (looking south east towards Red Glen from White Glen)