A traditional Orcadian food that once featured on tables across the islands will take centre stage this weekend as Kirbuster Farm Museum hosts a free heritage open day in Birsay.
Visitors are being invited to discover the story of sooans, an oat based food that was once a staple of everyday life in Orkney, during a family friendly event on Saturday 11 July from 11am until 4pm.
The open day is being organised by Orkney Islands Council in partnership with the Sowens Solutions project, led by the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute, the University of Copenhagen and the James Hutton Institute.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to follow the traditional process from oat sheaf to sowen scone, trying their hand at milling oats with a hand quern, watching the steeping process, sieving fermenting oats and exploring original artefacts used in making the dish.
Researcher Christopher Gee will demonstrate how sowen scones were traditionally baked on a griddle over an open peat fire, while ready made scones prepared by Orkney College will be available for visitors to taste.
The event takes place in a setting that is itself part of Orkney’s rich history.
Kirbuster Farm Museum is the last unrestored example of a traditional firehoose in Northern Europe, with parts of the building dating back to at least 1595.
The museum opened in 1987 after being donated to Orkney Islands Council by the Argo family and remains one of the islands’ best preserved examples of traditional rural life.
Neil Leask, Visitor Services Officer at Kirbuster Farm Museum, said:
“It’s great to have days like this at Kirbuster.
“Sowens were such a staple of Orkney life for generations, and it’s a real pleasure to share that history with visitors. We hope everyone who comes along has a grand time.”
Researchers involved in the project are also keen to hear from anyone who remembers making or eating sooans, helping preserve memories of a food that formed part of Orkney life for generations.
The open day is free to attend, suitable for all ages and forms part of Kirbuster Farm Museum’s summer season, which runs from March until October.
