Aikerness Brooch

Amongst the smallest, most remote of the Orkney Islands, the Holm of AIkerness lies between Westray and Papa Westray.  Strong tides rush between the Holm and the skerries that lie round about. This design captures the swirling currents and spectacular breakers on their rocky shores, in a free, modern style, which hints at the influence of historic Celtic design.

'Holm' is a typical Orcadian word, which simply means a small island. It is pronounced 'home'. Stromness harbour has an Inner Holm and an Outer Holm. The Holm of Grimbister is linked by a tidal causeway to the mainland. The Holm of Papay has a Neolithic chambered tomb with spectacular carvings.   

And Holm, a southern part of the Orkney Mainland, is pronounced 'ham'. Our multi-layered history gives much inspiration and some perplexing placenames!