UnstFest begins! Some pictures from Skaw Beach and the 'Drift' installation.

On arrival at Skaw, Unst

I recommend Drift, a sound sculpture and music installation by Vision Mechanics and Nordland Visual Theatre, in collaboration with UnstFest partly because I'm a sucker for this kind of art-in-the-environment show, partly because some of the images are hauntingly odd and lovely, and partly because the story is so magnificent. On until Monday, but wrap up warm and remember you will have to wear a cape (provided, not flattering). It's free but they suggest a donation of £10. My full review can be found on The Beatcroft Blog, here. http://beatcroft.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/drift-soundscape-and-sculpture-skaw.html

Every Shetlander and Soothmoother should know it: Betty Mouat, 61, sailing from Grutness to Lerwick to sell her knitting in January 1886. The crew of her boat are swept overboard, and Betty, alone and starving in storm after storm, is swept helplessly around the North Sea for a week, until the boat grounds at Lepsøy in Norway, with Betty safe, well and telling her tale for another 30 years. Drift delves beyond the surface narrative to examine what Betty's innermost thoughts may have been, and very haunting, yet uplifting it is. I particularly liked the meditation 'chapel' based on Romans Chapter Eight, Betty's favourite Bible verse: 'No condemnation'.

The drive to Skaw from Norwick is a piece of theatre in its own right, and Skaw itself is truly one of the world's wonders. If you're reading this in That Scotland (Drive to Aberdeen, 14 hour ferry to Shetland, hour's drive to Yell ferry, half hour across Yell, ferry to Unst, drive to top of world, descend to beach at end of world), then you could try to catch Drift in its other locations, St Cyrus and the Isle of Eigg.

For Unst folk, though, it's a must-go, must-see, must-listen. Until Monday.

UnstFest info: http://www.unstfest.org/

More about Drift and Vision Mechanics: http://visionmechanics.org/portfolio/drift/