Orkney wildlife cameraman and documentary maker Raymond Besant has filmed all across the world, but there’s nowhere he loves more than his home on Orkney. Raymond, who received an honorary degree – a Doctor of Science (DSc) – from the Robert Gordon University this summer, has shared his favourite things about living in the Orkney Isles with us. He has filmed for series such as What springs to mind when you think of Orkney? It’s nice to feel like you are properly connected to somewhere and I have that in Orkney.
I grew up here but have travelled a lot in my life and always enjoyed the feeling of coming home. It’s a busier place than it used to be, but if you want solitude you can still find it. Essentially it’s a group of farming islands heavily influenced by the sea.
The people are generally chilled out with a wry sense of humour that I like! What are your favourite places around Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands? I live quite centrally in Kirkwall and can see St Magnus Cathedral from my back garden. I sometimes have to remind myself how nice it is and that not every town in Scotland has such a vibrant town centre and with such a beautiful centrepiece like the cathedral. We are fortunate that most of the islands have their own unique character.
I’m always drawn to anywhere where the sea is wild, but I have a soft spot for Hoy. My dad’s family are from there and so we often spent our carefree childhood summers there. I’m quite nostalgic so I definitely have ros.