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One
of Scotland's traditional ball games, which dates back to Viking
times, is under threat, because it is too dangerous! Orkney Council is
apparently now considering not underwriting the New Year's Day
Kirkwall Ba' Game which places it's future in jeopardy. The Game which
involves two teams, The Uppies and The Doonies, battling it out to get
hold of a leather ball and running it through the streets of Kirkwall
is very physical with hundreds playing on both sides. Until now the
Game has been financially backed by Orkney Council which pays for any
damage caused during the Game eg broken windows and doors, resulting
from the robust play. Orcadians say that the Game would not go ahead
without Council support as the players could not pay for the damage.
Hopefully, common sense will prevail and a solution found to enable
this traditional game to continue. It would be unfortunate to lose a
traditional sport, enjoyed by the whole community, but whatever the
outcome, along with Orcadians we can all continue to enjoy a plate of
warming Orcadian oatmeal soup. Just the ticket after the Kirkwall ba'
game.
Orcadian Oatmeal Soup
( 6 to 8 servings )
Ingredients : 2 oz ( 50 g ) butter (
Orkney is best ! ); 2 leeks, finely chopped, white and green
separated; 4 medium carrots, grated; half a swede, grated; 2 oz ( 50 g
) fine oatmeal; 2 pt ( 1 l ) cold water or vegetable stock;
approx 2 pt milk; salt and pepper; chopped parsley.
Melt the butter in a pot and add the
vegetables, but only the white of the leek. Sweat without colouring
for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the oatmeal and mix
in. Cook and for another few minutes. Add the water or stock and bring
slowly to a gentle simmer. Cook till the vegetables are just soft,
5-10 minutes, at the most. Add enough milk to make a fairly thick
consistency, add the green leek, and heat through. Season and serve
with parsley.
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