orkney diary
Some time between 1529 and 1657, a mysterious character known only as Jo Ben travelled the length and breadth of Orkney, documenting his thoughts and discoveries in a form of diary.
During his exploration, it is likely that Jo Ben came across Orcadians speaking their native tongue and may even give us a corrupted example of Norn when he states:
“…they are cunning and plain speaking, they use dialect, as when we say Good Day, Goodman they say goanda boanda….”
And what is this “form of diary” written by Jo Ben?