Sanday Light Railway Company - The UK's Most Northerly Passenger Railway, where steam and petrol miniature locomotives meet sea and sky, underneath the Northern Lights.

If you would like to go on a virtual tour of our railway, please click our Windows Media Video clip below.

Sanday Light Railway Virtual Tour Part 1

...view the other movies here. (Windows media Player.)

Sanday Light Railway offers the most northerly passengar railway in the UK, a Pullman A La Carte menu and B&B!

NOTICE:-SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY IS MOST REGRETTABLY NOW CLOSED.

WITHOUT PREJUDICE OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS.

(1998) Human Rights Act & E.C.O.H.R.

UPDATES TO THIS STATEMENT REMAIN ONGOING- IN ORDER - BY DATE. THEY SADLY PORTRAY A CASE OF SHAMEFUL DISCRIMINATION, & VICTIMIZATION OF SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY BY TWO LOCAL AUTHORITIES & FOR UPHOLDING THE RIGHTS OF A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HOUSEHOLD AND CONTINUED DENIAL OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND LEGAL AID AGAINST THOSE PARTIES BY PARLIAMENT.

1-9. 2nd May:- A Final Appeal in correct procedure and prelude to that now of appeal before the E.C.O.H.R. against the United Kingdom Government has sadly now been fully complied with. Three appeals to the Prime Minister Gordon Browns office the first on the 11.11.2007 have all been ignored. A seperate appeal to The Justice Ministry in London referred all abuses back to Scotland regardless of The United Kingdom's overall accountability.After three similar appeals, all ignored, back to last September (2007), The Scottish First Ministers office has today, finally confirmed receipt of our intention to now proceed in plea to the E.C.O.H.R. under 2-2 below, and that of Article 3, Article 6, Article 8, Article 9, and Article 14, of the European Convention. ( That of our right to proceed has now been confirmed to us by members of the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill MSP, has shamefully, failed in ministerial duty to address any and all documented plea's to his office for that right , denied to this date as individuals within Scotland to that right Scottish Parliament assures to all its residents in 'Access to Justice' and Legal Aid , Those rights continue to be denied us by conflicting government policy and discrimination . This is in spite of plea to 30 law practices for our part and revelation by one of those practices, of clear government discrimination. (For which we are shocked at the level of injustice, but most deeply grateful for that one lawyer coming forward in the interests of a humanitarian right of all..) That right is also to be lodged before the E.C.O.H.R.Our distress, and suffering continue on a daily basis. Loss of our family home, business, and railway without monetry reward that gave pleasure to so many and supported those we respected on another continent. We remain determined those rights abused under the Convention and European law will be redressed. It is with deep regret as previously stated, that we now are left with no other choice but to make formal appeal to Europe. Our humiliation, profound loss and sacrifice is we consider that of our governemts shame. This government who sent these parties thirty years ago in, 'Service to this country', in conflict ,to protect those very same human rights of others as a boy of eighteen.

1-8 . 1st May:- Our friends in Orkney continue to monitor and to the best of their and our own ability, protect what is left of our railway and tea rooms, through failure by The Orkney Islands Council and those third parties. Whilst unfit for human habitation, regardless of any third party claim, we retain ownership of the property. ( 1.5.2008. ) ACCESS TO THE PROPERTY REMAINS UNSAFE REGARDLESS OF ANY WEATHER CONDITIONS. The water table under the property and sewage continues to flood , and penetrate the property each adverse weather delude ,due to those matters failing, pending and before the courts. Sandbags we placed in final attempt to remain in our property up to 21.4.2007, both outside and over sinks, baths, and drains, did not stop those horrific conditions along with structural failures that forced us to leave our lovely home and the island on that date. The final shameful facor for leaving was that of denial of medical rights of third parties involved on the island in 'Professinal conflict of interests'. For legal reasons at this time those parties cannot be named although they have ongoing business interests with both The Orkney Islands Council & NHS Orkney. It is stated that both local authorities remain in abuse of our human rights through that documented conduct by those parties.

Reports and photographs forwarded continue to cause us deep distress, a year later still living in , continued enforced temporary accomadation, prevented from selling what is left and in being able to move on with our lives. Specific other details in regard to third parties and failures of the building, its structure and drains cannot be stated at this time for legal reasons. We are forced to continue to sell what is left of railway and tea rooms and our possessions on E bay to defend what remains a shameful injustice against us through the courts. We thank the many whom continue to keep us in their prayers and thoughts and thank you for you messages and support.

1-7. 30th April:- In spite of appeal to Parliament and pending the E.C.O.H.R. the Orkney Islands Council continue to intimidate and victimize these parties by serving documents (28.4.2008) claiming breached contract on our part, for not keeping our railway and tea rooms open. !!! In light of the facts of events over the last two years this continued victimization and discrimination is grossly unwarrented after all we have suffered . We consider that OIC ongoing policy to persecute us, regardless of being served all documents and facts, is a continued shameful inhuman breach of those convention articles above. It further profoundly shocks us that a local authority has no regard in its continued victimization, for either any political accountability to higher office in redress or Human Rights . OIC continue, irrifutably, in continued, documented evidence, to act in that manner to which on the 7.12. 2006 they first beached our Human Rights under the European Convention and Human Rights Act (1998) and those of our rights and those of a member of the Royal Household we defended in our duty as appointed Registrar. That Scottish parliament & ultimatly Westminster.(The UK Government.) do nothing will be redressed in the E.C.O.H.R.

1-6. 24th April, Confirmation received from The Scottish Environment Minister,Michael Russell MSP (Dated 16.4.2008) in spite of his appreciated efforts on our behalf, 'That I am at a loss as what to do next'.

1-5 . 24th April. Information received from a reliable inside source is that the Senior Orkney Islands Council Solicitor involved in this injustice is no longer in office having tendered his resignation.

1-4. 10th April. ORKNEY TODAY NEWSPAPER 'PUTTING ORKNEY FIRST', www.orkneytoday.co.uk ( LINK - CLICK TO VIEW,) then click ' News Archive,' & insert 'Former Registrar' ,10th April 2008 'FORMER REGISTRAR TAKES LEGAL BATTLE TO COURT IN EUROPE'.

1-3. 9th APRIL. CONFIRMATION OF INTENTION OF APPEAL TO THE EUROPEAN COURTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ADDITION TO THAT RIGHT NOTIFIED TO & AFFIRMED IN RESPONSE BY THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL ( 1-1 BELOW,) HAS BEEN FURTHER RECEIVED AND CONFIRMED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE NHS ORKNEY 7.4.2008 IN REFERENCE TO 1-2 BELOW. (SECOND PARAGRAPH.) AND THOSE OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS IN 2-2 BELOW.

1-2 .7th APRIL 2008. ALL LOCAL AUTHORITY ( ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL AND NHS ORKNEY.) AND SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT COMPLAINT PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED ,WITH THE SUPPORT OF THREE CONSTITUENCY MP'S. FURTHER APPEAL TO THE S.P.S.O. WAS ( ON SIGNIFICANT HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES ) ADVISED TO BE OUTSIDE THEIR COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND/OR THE EVIDENCE NOT REDRESSED. APPEAL TO 450 CROSS PARTY M.P'S IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON THE 11TH NOVEMBER 2007 DOCUMENT:- 'LEAST WE FORGET'-VICTIMS OF INJUSTICE , IN DENIAL OF OUR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS WAS REFERRED BACK , IN POLITICAL PROTOCOL, TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT. SUBSEQUENT DOCUMENTED APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS HAS BEEN MADE. EVERY OPPORTUNITY OF COMPROMISE AND GOODWILL HAS BEEN EXTENDED DESPITE ACUTE HARDSHIP AND CONTINUED DISTRESS , TO ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, BEYOND ALL REQUIREMENTS BY THE VICTIMS. IT IS NOW WITH PROFOUND REGRET THAT WE MUST TAKE THIS MATTER BEFORE THE EUROPEAN COURTS. PREPARATION OF APPLICATION TO THE REGISTRAR, E.C.O.H.R. IS NOW IN PROCESS OF SUBMISSION.

* OTHER PARTIES IN PART, CAUSING THAT DOCUMENTED DISCRIMINATION AND VICTIMIZATION OF THIS INJUSTICE BEING LOCAL AUTHORITY :- NHS ORKNEY IN CONFIRMED ACCEPTANCE OF PRIOR UNDECLARED 'CONFLICT OF BUSINESS INTERESTS' OF THIRD PARTIES WITHIN NHS ORKNEY. IN RELATION TO THAT INTIMIDATION ,AND WITHHOLDING OF FULL MEDICAL RIGHTS , OF PATIENTS AND THE CONDUCT OF STAFF WITH THOSE 'CONFLICTING INTERESTS', DENYING THE PATIENTS AND VICTIMS THAT CARE AND NHS ENTITLEMENT. PROFOUND DOCUMENTED DISTRESS IN DIRECT CONTRAVENTION OF BOTH THOSE NHS MEDICAL RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THOSE OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS ( 2-2 BELOW.) AT THE SAME TIME AS THOSE EVENTS BELOW OCCURRED IN THAT 'CONFLICT OF INTEREST' BY THOSE PARTIES, IN THAT CARE OCCURRED. THOSE MATTERS WERE DOCUMENTED & LODGED BEFORE THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT , FIRST MINISTER , JUSTICE ,AND HEALTH MINISTERS IN THAT APPEAL 11.11.2007. LEAST WE FORGET. *FOR LEGAL REASONS AT THIS TIME THOSE PARTIES, INVOLVED CANNOT BE NAMED ,OR THOSE FACTS RELEASED.

1-1.2nd APRIL 2008 . THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL, HAS FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGED OUR APPEALS TO SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT AND THE SCOTTISH PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN AND OF OUR INTENTION TO APPEAL TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, IN REGARDS TO THAT CLAIM AS 'VICTIMS OF INJUSTICE' AND OTHER MATTERS BY THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL, AND OTHERS.

1-0 . 2nd APRIL 2008. THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT HAVE CONFIRMED THAT OF OUR RIGHT AND ENTITLEMENT IN CORRECT PROTOCOL TO NOW TAKE THIS MATTER TO THE EUROPEAN COURTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS, COUNCIL OF EUROPE, STRASBOURG.

2-0 . ALL STATEMENTS & INFORMATION ON THIS SITE ARE MADE IN GOOD FAITH WITHOUT PREJUDICE OF OUR LEGAL RIGHTS, AND THOSE OF OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT (1998) AND THAT OF RIGHT TO EXPRESS SPEECH AND OPINION AND THAT OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT SCOTLAND (2002) WITHOUT DISCLOSURE OF SPECIFIC DETAILS OF THOSE PARTIES OR THAT WHICH REMAINS ONGOING IN LEGAL CONSIDERATION AGAINST ALL THOSE PARTIES INVOLVED. ALL MATERIAL ON THIS SITE REMAINS THE (C) COPYRIGHT OF SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY 2005/6/7/8. AND MUST NOT BE USED IN ANY PART WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF IT'S AUTHORS OR OWNERS.

2-1. REGARDLESS OF THOSE EVENTS, SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE 25,000 VISITORS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD , AND ESPECIALLY SO MANY OF THE ORCADIAN PEOPLE , WHO CAME TO SHARE SOMETHING SO UNIQUE ON AN ISLAND SEVENTEEN MILES LONG , IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, WITHIN THE BEAUTIFUL ORKNEY ISLANDS..IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS AND REGRET THAT WE ARE FORCED TO PROCEED WITH THIS ACTION.

2-2 THE VICTIMS ARE PLEADING THAT:- THE UNITED KINGDOM, LOCAL AUTHORITY, ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL, AND OTHERS, THROUGH THEIR ACTIONS AND CONDUCT, CAUSED EVENTS WHICH REMAIN CONSIDERED A PROFOUND DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE OF OUR RIGHTS UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT. (1998.) AND IN DIRECT CONTRAVENTION OF THE EUROPEAN HUMAN RIGHTS CONVENTION. INTIMIDATION AND VICTIMIZATION, AND THAT OF THE RIGHT WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT TO LIVE AND WORK IN SOCIETY WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM WITHOUT FEAR OR REPRISAL.' THE RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERS,THE RIGHT TO RESPECT IN PRIVATE AND FAMILY LIFE, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, THE RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE REMEDY, THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ENJOYMENT OF POSSESSIONS, AND THAT PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN THE ENJOYMENT OF RIGHTS AS SET OUT IN THE CONVENTION.' THOSE RIGHTS HAVE BEEN LODGED BEFORE THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT IN CORRECT PROTOCOL, AND ARE NOW PENDING APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS ,AND FURTHER TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, COUNCIL OF EUROPE, STRASBOURG.

2-3 THOSE DOCUMENTED FACTS STATED IN EXPLANATION ON THIS SITE IN WHAT IS LEFT OF OUR RAILWAY,HOME AND TEA-ROOMS, AND IN ANSWER OF THOSE MANY QUESTIONS UNANSWERED AND ASKED BY SO MANY OTHERS, WHICH DEPRIVED THE ORKNEY ISLANDS AND SANDAY ESPECIALLY, OF A VALUABLE ASSET, TEA ROOMS, AND POTENTIAL A LA CARTE RESTAURANT SO NEEDED ON THE OUTER ISLAND WE LOVED. AS THIS SITE SHOWS, THAT SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT, AND LONG TERM COMMITMENT WE SO HAPPILY MADE IN OUR RESPECT OF THE ISLAND THAT WAS OUR HOME, GAVE SO MUCH PLEASURE AND JOY TO SO MANY OTHERS AS WELL AS PROVIDING BOOKS, PENS, AND PENCILS, AND CONTRIBUTING IN EDUCATION TO THOSE IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY. WHATEVER THAT LOSS WE HAVE SUFFERED AND ALL THAT WE COULD HAVE STILL CONTRIBUTED OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS IN INVESTMENT, WE HAD COMMITTED OUR SELFS TO LIVING ON THE ISLAND ,AND WERE SO PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH ALL THE GOOD THINGS SANDAY HAS TO OFFER VISITORS AND RESIDENTS WHO LIVE AND WORK ON WHAT IS AN INCREDIBLE AND A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND...

2-4. LET OUR STORY REMAIN AN EPITAPH TO EVERYTHING WE ACHIEVED. ( SLR REMAINS STILL ON H.M.ORDINANCE SURVEY LAND RANGER MAPS, ORKNEY NORTHERN ISLANDS.) DESPITE SUCH UNDESERVED, UNJUST LOCAL AUTHORITY POLITICS THAT WE WERE SO WRONGLY, IN OUR APPOINTED DUTY AND BELIEF OF HUMAN RIGHTS, DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AND PULLED INTO, IN THE ENSUING WORLDWIDE MEDIA COVERAGE. THOSE EVENTS TOGETHER WITH OUR FAITH AND RESPECT OF ALL WITHIN OUR SOCIETY, AND OF THEIR LAWFUL RIGHTS OF EQUALITY IN THAT SOCIETY. AND FURTHER OF THOSE WHO WE TRUSTED TO DELIVER GOODS IN CONTRACT, REGARDLESS OF OUR REMOTE LOCATION,WHO FAILED TO COMPLETE OR HONOR THAT CONTRACT, OR OF OTHERS IN CONTRACT TO US. WE ARE STILL TODAY, ( ALTHOUGH DISPLACED WITH LOSS OF ALL WE ACHIEVED, ) PROUD TO HAVE SERVED AND SUPPORTED THE COMMUNITY AND ISLANDS IN WHICH WE LIVED. OUR RESPECT FOR THE ORCADIAN PEOPLE WILL REMAIN THAT WHICH WE WILL ALWAYS CHERISH . REGARDLESS OF THOSE ACTIONS BY PARTIES DOCUMENTED AND THAT OF ANY EVENTUAL OUTCOME AFTER THIS DATE.

2-5. ALL PLANNING, HIGHWAYS, BUILDING CONTROL, AND ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH REGULATIONS AND CONDITIONS PLACED ON US FOR EIGHT YEARS OF OPERATION, WERE FULLY COMPLIED WITH BY SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY & BRIEF ENCOUTERS TEA ROOMS.WE WERE PERSECUTED, AS DOCUMENTED PUBLICALLY, IN OUR DUTY TO ACT AS FULLY APPOINTED REGISTRAR FOR THE ORKNEY ISLANDS, AND SANDAY, AND THE LAWFUL RIGHTS OF ALL MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY. THAT RIGHT WAS ENTITLED REGARDLESS OF ANY RESIDENTS OWN STATUS AND OF EQUALITY, IN AN ACT AND LAW, PASSED BY ROYAL ASSENT BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN NOVEMBER 2005 SUBSEQUENTLY PASSED BY PARLIAMENT INTO SCOTTISH LAW.

2-6.AS A BOY OF 18 , IN SERVICE TO THIS COUNTRY, THE RAILWAY OWNER AND MANY BOYS LIKE HIM WERE, (AND STILL SADLY TODAY ARE.) SENT BY THE UNITED KINGDOM TO DEFEND THOSE VERY SAME HUMAN RIGHTS OF OTHERS ,THAT TODAY SHAMEFULLY WE ARE NOW OURSELVES SUBJECT TO:- PERSECUTION ,VICTIMIZED AND DEPRIVED OF OUR FULL RIGHTS OF 'ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL,' AND THE RIGHT TO LIVE, AND WORK WITHOUT FEAR OF INTIMIDATION AS WE CHOOSE, IN OUR OWN SOCIETY WITHIN SCOTLAND AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT IS PROFOUNDLY HUMILIATING TO HAVE SERVED, THAT WE NOW FIND OURSELVES SHAMEFULLY 'REFUGEES' IN OUR OWN SOCIETY, DISPLACED IN TEMPORARY ENFORCED ACCOMADATION, OVER A YEAR AFTER THOSE EVENTS.

2-7. IT IS FURTHER, DEEPLY HUMILIATING OF THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED THIS COUNTRY WITH PRIDE,WITH EXEMPLARY MILITARY CONDUCT, WHEN SO MANY OTHERS SENT TO PROTECT THOSE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS, AND THAT OF OUR OWN SOCIETY, DO NOT RETURN. THAT ANY MEMBERS OF SOCIETY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM CAN BE MISS-TREATED SO. IT IS AN AFFRONT ON US WHO SERVED. PULLED INTO LOCAL AUTHORITY INTERNAL POLITICS , AND THOSE 'CHANGING DAILY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASES UNDERMINING APPOINTMENT AND SUBSEQUENT DENIAL OF THAT RIGHT OF FULL AND IMPARTIAL REDRESS, OR THAT ACCESS TO FULL JUSTICE. IS FURTHER OF PROFOUND SIGNIFICANCE CONSIDERED A SHAMEFUL DENIAL OF RIGHTS, AND NOW OF CLOSURE, THAT WE MAY ATTEMPT TO MOVE ON WITH OUR LIVES...THIS PERHAPS, HAS BEEN THE CRUELEST INJUSTICE OF ALL.

2-8. IT IS OUR DESIRE THEREFORE, REGARDLESS OF OUTCOME, THAT OUR LOSS DOCUMENTED HERE, SERVES AS A CAUTION TO THOSE WHO MAY HAVE THE VISION TO WANT TO ACHIEVE AND SHARE AS WE DID, SUPPORTING THE FRAGILE ISLAND ECONOMY THAT WE LIVED IN, AND IN EMPATHY, AND RESPECT OF THOSE LESS PRIVILEGED ON ANOTHER CONTINENT ,AFTER AWARENESS WAS RAISED BY THE FORMER SCOTTISH FIRST MINISTER JACK McCONNALL IN VISITING OUR ISLAND AND SANDAY COMMUNITY SCHOOL... IN DOING SO, AS WE DID SO PROUDLY WITH OUR RAILWAY, IN RAISING WIDESPREAD PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THOSE ON ANOTHER CONTINENT...AND AT THE SAME TIME, TO GIVE PLEASURE TO SO VERY MANY, FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, AND ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD, WITHOUT ANY MONETARY REWARD.......

3-0.'After eight years and thousands of hours toil... still living in temporary accomadation over a year later, with our family , refugee's in the south of Scotland... I swear that on some days even now... when the wind is from the north west over Lashy Sound and the Calf of Eday, with the cliffs of Red Head and Westray in the distance , the white spray exploding against them in those wonderful atlantic storms, sea gulls and oystercatchers swirling round in the wind... that I can hear the seals and their young calling on the reef between us and Eday at low tide...... Then... if I close my eye's.... I can still hear the sound of a steam engines whistle as it leaves Sanday Central Station ,and that of an approaching train ....and the laughter and glee of those thousands who came , and shared , our beautiful island home'....

Cherished memories that will never be taken from us.......' Rest In Peace,' Sanday Light Railway.'

3-1.In response to overwhelming email queries and of that support, to answer those questions, and in our faith and hope of closure in this matter, these then are the facts of those events that closed the 'Sanday Light Railway.'

FACTUAL DOCUMENTED HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF EVENTS PENDING SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT REDRESS AND APPEAL TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS. STRASBOURG.

VICTIMS OF INJUSTICE

4-0. Sanday Light Railway was created with the first yard of track laid in 1999/2000. The railway slowly evolved with tipper trucks and track used as wheelbarrows around the croft 'Strangquoy' ( The Norse name for a long low building close to a landing place-) overlooking Heglieber and Lashy Sound, by the family to enable movement of equipment and tools around the garden. Gradually, the track weaved through the bushes and sea grass and rhubarb under the clear skies and the Northern lights.... Often we could hear and see the seals on the reef between us and the neighboring island of Eday....Migrating whales each summer would swim through Lashy Sound, and one would be humbled .......aware that mother nature reigned supreme.... By the last few months of the railways existence in sympathetic consideration of the stunning location around us, it became a part of that location as the video footage on the website shows...That beautiful location was shared by many thousands of visitors without intrusion of the beautiful landscape that encompassed us in a way that so many were overjoyed to share with us....This then was The Sanday Light Railway we had created..Sea otters came, playing around the croft with their young in the spring, their chatter like the excited children ( and adults.) who came to us... Little did we know it would not be a 'Ring of Bright Water ', but gathering pungent storm clouds from the Orkney mainland, in ever decreasing circles of such unjust events.... that would sweep the railway, the tea rooms, and all that we had strived and toiled to create.... not just for us... but to share with thousands, from all walks of life.... away into the depths of the sea and those political corridors, that two years later still have not been impartially, and rightly redressed or answered..... Why?

4-1. Our beautiful home continues to crumble.. the railway gone..the walls and structures deteriorating in every storm that hits the peninsula... Each time it rains despite continued efforts to minimize our loss..... both the inside and outside deteriorates.... So many faces... so much laughter and joy over those precious years... not just from children but adults of all ages our oldest passenger a lady of 91 from Kirkwall..... The children and Foreign Office officials who came in 2005 from Malawi in Africa, perhaps the pinnacle of our achievement.... to say thank you to us..... And those so very many who simply sat with a pot of tea served in bone china cups and linen table cloths surrounded by those stunning views from our home and simply, 'watched the trains go by'.....

4-2. In 2001 a small steam locomotive and electric loco were purchased to ease the workload and both the railway. Landscaping progressed without any awareness that in time it would become a part of the Orkney Islands appeal to so many visitors amazingly to our island, worldwide,.(Visitors signing our guest books over the eight years from :- The United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Canada, China, East & West Europe, Norway, Africa UK, Ireland, Iceland, etc. etc. ) For families visiting Sanday, (which desperately needed both input and vision in comparison to those attractions on its sister island Westray... )we were also a retreat from inclement weather conditions, which so quickly changed on the outer islands.. As the lines charm and appeal grew, a request was made by the Boy's Brigade on the island to visit the railway and enquiries were made into public liability and risk assements to allow visitors to visit without any charge...All procedure's thereafter were followed, and all Health & Safety Executive guidelines for the safe operation of small passenger carrying railways were fully met and complied with, and local authority applications made. The Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Enterprise in their encouragement to the outer Northern islands in attracting visitors, made formal grants to assist the railway to comply with all liabilities to meet public safety in 2002. The same year the council installed a turning area and parking for cars visiting the railway... During 2002 the railway appeared both on the television and in the press. No further conditions were placed by The Orkney Islands Council or an 'Entertainments Licence' ever requested.

4-3. In 2003 sadly through divorce, the family split and the owner was forced to sell and move south... grants given by the council and Orkney Enterprise were re-paid in full and the railway slipped into an interim decline.. In a very rare situation in December 2004 the original owner was approached in a text and offered the property and what was left of the railway back... 'That Orcadian Passion' had never left him, indeed he wrote a piece of music to play, to slip back to those beautiful shores when times were hard and he longed to return home.... In January 2005 the property was repurchased and with a new partner, who became his wife in equal respect and commitment to the Orcadian way of life. The railway was salvaged back from mother nature's gentle cocoon and completely restored to its former glory... By September 2005 with significant investment in new stock, locomotives, and track to maintain those first high standards it again was attracting significant worldwide interest...with many of those parties visiting and falling in love with the Orkney Islands...... The owners continued in policy of not charging for rides giving all donations to the same causes, the RNLI and Minga School in Malawi, Africa ( A school Supported by the former First Minister, Jack McConnall through Sanday Community School. (See School Website.)

4-4. WORLDWIDE INTEREST AGAIN FOLLOWED AND BY THE END OF SUMMER 2005 AN ESTIMATED 20,000 VISITORS HAD VISITED THE RAILWAY SINCE THAT OF ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN 2000 AND RIDDEN ON ITS TRAINS. WE HAD APPEARED AGAIN BOTH ON TELEVISION AND IN WORLDWIDE PRESS AND RAILWAY MAGAZINES, ATTRACTING VISITORS NOT JUST TO OUR ISLAND BUT CONTINUALLY TO THE ORKNEY ISLANDS AS A WHOLE, AS OUR VISITORS BOOKS STILL SADLY, BUT WITH PRIDE TODAY SHOW... AGAIN AS DURING 2002 AT NO TIME DID THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL REQUEST OR 'SUGGEST' AN ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE WAS NEEDED. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ANY ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR CLAIM AGAINST THE RAILWAYS PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE. WE CONSIDER OUR DEDICATION, RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIDE IN WHAT WE HAD ACHIEVED WAS SHOWN IN OUR EXEMPLARY STANDARDS AND THAT OF OUR SAFETY RECORD.

4-5. In November 2005 after the only other island tearooms had closed and there were no facilities for visitors ( Or Islanders.) the owners , made a significant further contribution to the island in planning application for tearooms, with en suite facilities with public and disabled toilets, extended track and parking.. Full planning approval was passed by The Orkney Islands Council in November 2005 . The contract was given to a local builder. AGAIN AFTER SEVERAL SITE VISITS BY COUNCIL OFFICIALS AND COMPLYING FULLY WITH ALL OBJECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO PLANNING REQUIREMENTS, IN ALLOWING FOR THE RAILWAY AND VISITORS, AND COMPLYING FULLY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, HIGHWAYS DEPT, BUILDING CONTROL, DISABILITY RIGHTS & ACCESS , AND EXTENDED CAR PARKING REQUIREMENTS, BOTH OWNERS RENEWING FOOD HYGIENE CERTIFICATES WITH THE COUNCIL, BUILDING WARRANT WAS APPROVED AND FULL PLANNING PERMISSION WAS GIVEN. WE COMPLIED WITH EVERYTHING THAT WAS ASKED OF US BY THE COUNCIL , EVEN A SEPARATE MIENS URINAL.AGAIN AT NO TIME WAS AN ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE REQUESTED BY THE COUNCIL OF SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY. INDEED SET UP GRANTS TOWARDS TEA ROOM FITTINGS GVIEN AFTER APPLICATION TO THE COUNCIL AND AGAIN ORKNEY ENTERPRISE WERE CONFIRMED BY THE COUNCIL , 'GRANTED ON SUCCESSFUL SUBMISSION OF A NEW BUSINESS PLAN TO THE COUNCIL'TO RUN ALONGSIDE THE ALREADY ESTABLISHED SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY'... NO SUGGESTION OR REQUEST FOR AN ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE EVER NOTIFIED..

4-6. Building work start dates were put back on three occasions , the first in January 2006, (Which was the driest ever recorded on record in Orkney- source Met.office & press.) Unfortunately we had had to make advertising commitments on assurances given to us, to both Visit Scotland & Visit Orkney in 2006 and then again in 2007 as tourist board members. Advertisement dates deadlines being January had been printed in yearly brochures for The Orkney Islands by that time. The intended Easter completion assured was delayed stopping re opening of the railway and that of public liability insurance disappointing many visitors, which caused profound witnessed disappointment and distress to us. For legal reasons details of significant failures within those events over the next several months are withheld. We apologise again to those many families who made the trip to the island from the mainland who were so disappointed. Thankfully most understood it was due to circumstances beyond our control and a cup of tea and railway postcards and badges became standard P.R. for several weeks...Only the minority were discurtious..(Made worse as the public toilets on the island were closed at the same time in Kettletoft undergoing refurbishment and we were the first and last point of call on the island for visitors to express that dismay at facilities.)

4-7. IN MAY 2006 whilst in position as voluntary assistant registrar in support of Sanday Island community, p ermission was given by The Orkney Islands Council & General Registrars Office in Edinburgh , for the railway owner under both United Kingdom and European law, and confirmed through the then resident Registrar, to conduct a civil partnership for Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. that confirmation came both from Edinburgh and KIRKWALL. It is documented on oath by both former Registrars, and has been lodged before Parliament and the House of Lords and pending the European Court of Human Rights .

4-8. OF SIGNIFICANT FACT AT THIS TIME, WE WERE ALSO MISSING A CONTAINER WITH £30,000.00 WORTH OF STOCK FOR THE RAILWAY IN OUR DESIRE TO MAINTAIN OUR HIGH STANDARDS, THROUGH ASSOCIATES AND MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY THE SEVEN & QUARTER SOCIETY. ( * DETAILS ON OUR LOCO'S AND STOCK PAGES ON THIS SITE.) THOSE FUNDS WERE RAISED IN A MORTGAGE ON THE PROPERTY. WITH DELAYED COMPLETION OF OUTSTANDING BUILDING WORK, WE WERE NOT AWARE OF WHAT WAS TO BECOME ANOTHER MAJOR FACTOR THAT YEAR IN THE LONG STANDING, AT TIMES, SADLY DISHARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP, ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY DAYS , OF THE ESTEEMED AND WONDERFUL ST MAGNUS MUSIC FESTIVAL, BETWEEN SIR PETER MAXWELL DAVIES ,AND THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL UNTIL FOR SOME REASON APPARENTLY, THE YEAR SIR ANDRE PREVIN ATTENDED.

SIR PETER HAD HOWEVER IN MAY 2006 IN THE TIMES, (PICKED UP LOCALLY AND AS A RESIDENT ON SANDAY SUBSEQUENTLY STATED IN LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, ORKNEY TODAY JAN.2007. 'IT HAS TO BE PRETTY SERIOUS FOR MAX TO SPEAK OUT'..), QUESTIONED WITH CONCERN,THE COUNCILS POLICY OF ALLOWING WHAT HE STATED WERE 'KIT HOUSES BEING BUILT ON THE ISLAND LIKENING THEM TO ALIEN HOUSING STOCK'.. HOWEVER PERMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN GIVEN FOR THE ASSISTANT REGISTRAR ,TO PERFORM THAT CIVIL PARTNERSHIP FOR SIR PETER THROUGH THE APPOINTED FULL ISLAND REGISTRAR. STATEMENT HAS BEEN MADE BY THAT FORMER OFFICIAL IN CONFIRMATION AND IN PLEA LODGED BEFORE PARLIAMENT, PENDING THAT TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS. IT WAS LEGALLY ASSUMED BY BOTH REGISTRARS, THOSE RIGHTS WOULD BE UPHELD ON THE UNDERSTANDING A LICENCE WOULD BE REQUIRED ONLY FOR THE PREMISES USED BY SIR PETER, UNLESS (AS IS DOCUMENTED BEFORE PARLIAMENT AND AS INDEED DID HAPPEN) THE ASSISTANT REGISTRAR BECAME DULY APPOINTED REGISTRAR. ON THAT APPOINTMENT, ALL POWERS PASSED TO HIM INCLUDING THAT OF HIS OWN PREMISES LICENSED IN THAT APPOINTMENT AND THAT OF OFFICE AS REGISTRAR BY THE GENERAL REGISTRARS OFFICE IN EDINBURGH . DESPITE CLAIMS BY THE COUNCIL IT WAS A 'GREY AREA'. IN SUCH PUBLIC DUTIES , WITH RESPECT, THERE SHOULD BE NO GREY AREA'S OR GOAL POSTS MOVED, TO AVOID SCORING IN EFFECT WHAT SADLY BECAME PUBLIC SHAMEFUL OWN GOALS FOR THE COUNCIL IN THOSE LATER CHANGING PRESS RELEASES BELOW.

4-9. OFFICIAL RE OPENING OF THE RAILWAY AND THE NEW TEA ROOMS TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST 2006 as is documented on this website by our patron and The Master Of The Queens Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. It had been an immense achievement to actually open the doors with many major building problems still outstanding that we had requested the council building inspector to redress. The inspector who did then attend in September when we were closed because of those problems ,and taking a sandwich, kindly..! confirming indeed we were closed , along with the sandwich in our guest book. ! No building or planing dept. official came again after that date, and raising those concerns, as the inspector had broke his leg, until in a desperate plea and continued flooding , we appealed to the council again in Dec 2006 when a new official then as the Chief Executive confirmed to Orkney & Shetland MSP Alastair Carmichael, that the council 'Officially' approved completion. ( Regardless of that inspection occurring whilst surrounded by water and worse.. ) We were however in our own regard of support and responsibility to the island, determined to offer something to repay the faith of so many supporters, and families especially, before the end of the summer and the 2006 season had completely gone, and attempted that obligation in our efforts to open.. It was only achieved in August with the help of our neighbors, and family who came for that last push and our island friends.... As so many people observed, and we apologised for again,! the railway was unable to open fully around the property because of open sewage trenches at the rear which were deeply embarrassing and on the worse days, (As when the council inspector came.) we had to stay closed in our responsibility in Environmental Health with the same council and that of our own regard of responsibility and concern. We walked a knife edge in that responsibility, only to have to each evening ,with drainage rods....!! No party can comprehend those efforts we struggled to achieve what we did .. our days open .....days closed...all became entwined it was a wonder we carried on until Christmas but with many days lost........These were the standards the council passed ........

5-0. Sir Peter however 'at front of house' did a wonderful job at the opening ceremony, and his speech before cutting the ribbon and that of the television interview (Available.) giving reason to visit the beautiful Orkney Islands is something that those present deeply appreciated... They remain happy memories.....and ironic it was the day before the'storm 'hit us & Orkney on the Mainland Show day 2006 when it caused so much damage. Again of paramount importance in later discrimination,, that same week David Hartley arrived with Ken and did a superb film interview with Sir Peter and the railway with Kens expert filming that was seen around the world through Grampian Television News... It was a very public positive promotion,not just of Sanday, but the Orkney Islands, and not for the first time promoted by David Hartley & Ken who had done a similar feature in 2002. NO ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE WAS REQUESTED AFTER THIS WONDERFUL PROMOTION OF ORKNEY BY THE COUNCIL...WHY?

5-1. At this time however other failings and defects were appearing throughout the new buildings and the newly named 'Brief Encounters Tearooms'. The photo on our home page showing the interior of the conservatory the day we officially opened , and day before the storm, shows steel beams missing that were too late fitted the following October its failings by the council not accepted regardless of two independent structural reports. The Orkney Islands Council during the same year 2006 had an acute shortage of building inspectors as was reported in the Orkney press making any site visit, that of prolonged wait through the summer. Phone calls to planning were not answered our architect informing us they were in melt down, and it was only on another documented appeal that planning officers attended the property. A completion certificate was not in fact issued until in the end, December 2006 as stated without that of a structural engineers certificate when it was still designated fit for purpose by OIC. The day after that official opening however, as was widely reported and witnessed unfortunatly, a storm that hit the Orkney Islands and the Mainland Show.(August 2006) in it the tea rooms structure moved. Independent structural engineers were brought in by us on legal advice, who six months later stated ,the buildings were not fit for purpose , due to major leaks and further significant other defects. Inevitably as a result in 2007, and inspite of plea's, to insurers and the council, all house, buildings, and public liability insurance became invalid and we were left without any form insurance.Those matters are currently under legal redress at this time regardless of those official council decisions.

5-2. On 16th November 2006 , in a separate issue at the same time as those ongoing events above , in continued respect of supporting the island socially and its economy, after application and interview with other applicants from the island, the railway owner was appointed Full Registrar for Sanday on behalf of the General Registrars Office Edinburgh. This was after the previous registrar whom had done a wonderful job for five years, left the island. No restrictions of appointment were placed on the Registrar or conditions of duty in his service to the island community. No contract of employment by the council or conditions of employment were ever given to, or signed by the Registrar, or any possible conflict of interest with the railway which in legal statement was later pointed out to the council. ( As a result of that, it remains a shameful fact that those appointment letters without restrictions together with registrars appointment certificate were demanded by the councils Kirkwall registrar on resignation two months later. It is clear now by several parties, in abuse of those Human Rights, why that evidence was so aggressively demanded returned by the council, with instruction they were to be placed in the Registrars safe on collection of all documents.( Those letters and appointment certificates are lodged with representation pending appeal of our Human Rights.) In correct confidentiality of a registrar duties and office, and that right of the applicants, no public mention at any time of Sir Peters intended civil partnership was disclosed to any party or the media outside those authorities whom had given permission in May 2006 by the Assistant, and or the duly appointed Registrars on Sanday. However in December 2006 Sir Peter and his partner publically announced their intended civil partnership, which was to take place on the island with rumors of a wonderful guest list of who's who of the music and cultural world that would have brought enormous benefit and promotion so needed, not just to Sanday, but the Orkney Islands as a whole for many years.

5-3. AT THE SAME TIME AS THOSE EVENTS ABOVE, AN APPEAL HAD BEEN MADE IN A TOTAL SEPARATE LEGAL REQUEST, BY THE RAILWAY AND TEAROOMS TO ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL AT WHAT LOSS ADJUSTERS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WERE TO STATE IN REPORT WERE THOSE STRUCTURAL FAILURES ,AND THE BUILDING WAS UNFIT FOR PURPOSE OR ITS LOCATION.. THE COUNCIL STILL ISSUED THAT COMPLETION CERTIFICATE.. SEVERAL ISLAND RESIDENTS HAVE APPROACHED US COMPARING THAT APPROVAL WITH THEIR OWN PROPERTIES ON THE ISLAND ,AND IT IS WRONG THAT WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN OR APOLOGISE FROM WHAT CLEARLY REMAINS A PROFOUND CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND PROCEDURES WITHIN THE COUNCIL IN ANY COMPARISON CAUSING FURTHER VICTIMISATION. IT ALSO REMAINS OUR PROFOUND CONVICTION THAT, SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN GIVEN A COMPLETION CERTIFICATE BY THE COUNCIL UNTIL ALL MATTERS HAD BEEN REDRESSED AND ACCEPTABLE TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO RETURN. IT WAS LEFT TO US, ON OUR OWN, TO DEFEND THAT RIGHT IN OUR OWN CONSIDERATION OF OUR INVESTMENT AND CONCERN IN PROTECTING THOSE WHO HAD BOTH BOOKED WITH US IN 2007 AND THE THOUSANDS WE ,AND DOCUMENTED, .. AND ALL EFFORTS....WE FAILED..

5-4. THE RAILWAY SUBSEQUENTLY WITHOUT ANY PRIOR SUGGESTION IN EIGHT YEARS, ON THE 7TH DECEMBER 2006 RCEIVED A FORMAL NOTICE FROM THE COUNCIL'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND CHIEF SOLICITOR IN REGARD TO 1. RESTRICTING WHERE A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP COULD BE PERFORMED ON A REGISTRARS PREMISES. (MOVED OVER THE NEXT WEEK FROM ANYWHERE ON THE PREMISES, TO DINING ROOM, TO SITTING ROOM ONLY, AND THEN ADVISED BY THE KIRKWALL REGISTRAR SHE WOULD COME AND INSPECT THE PROPERTIES SUITABILITY . ( WE HAVING GONE THROUGH PLANNING AND BUILDING CONTROL, DISABLED ACCESS, FIRE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS THE SAME YEAR IN PLANNING PERMISSION... FOR SOME REASON AT THIS POINT , THE READER MAY BE AWARE THATTHE REGISTRARS FULL POWERS HAD ALSO NOT BEEN WITHDRAWN, ONLY LATER WAS THAT COURSE THEN TAKEN BY COUNCIL.....THOSE DEMANDS BECAME FARCICAL...AND NOT WORTHY OF FURTHER REDRESS HERE.)

5-5. THAT RIGHT OF WHERE THE REGISTRAR COULD PERFORM THE SERVICE ,WAS LATER OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS , THEN WITHDRAWN TO THE ISLAND SCHOOL LIBARY/COMMUNITY CENTRE, AND THEN REMOVED TO KIRKWALL IN CONSTANT MOVED GOAL POSTS. AND THEN DECIDED THE REGISTRAR WAS NOT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH.ORKNEY HAD ONLY HAD ONE PREVIOUS CIVIL PARTNERSHIP AT THAT TIME OF A NON RESIDENT ORKNEY COUPLE..( THE LOCAL PRESS THEN SUGGESTING THE COUNCIL OFFICIALS 'WERE RUNNING ROUND LIKE HEADLESS CHICKENS'). IT WAS A DEEPLY HUMILIATING AND DISTRESSING AND SHAMEFUL ABUSE OF BOTH THE RIGHTS OF THOSE PARTIES INVOLVED AND THE REGISTRAR, CAUSING PROFOUND PUBLIC DISTRESS AND HUMILIATION AND SUBJECT TO WHAT REMAINS SHAMEFUL UNPROFESSIONAL COUNCIL OFFICIAL CONDUCT.(THOSE STATEMENTS WERE DOCUMENTED IN THE PRESS AT THE TIME.BY THE COUNCIL. )

5-6. IN THAT SAME DOCUMENT IN 5-4 ABOVE, THAT 2. THE RAILWAY WAS CLASSED AS A MAJOR FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION BY THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL AFTER EIGHT YEARS. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED WE NEEDED BOTH AN ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE AND SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE, BEYOND ANYTHING IN COMPARISON IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS AND ABOVE EVEN THAT OF BUILDERS WORKING ON COUNCIL CONTRACTS. AS A NON CHARGING SMALL VENTURE WE COULD NOT HOPE TO AFFORD OR TO CONTINUE IN OUR SUPPORT OF THE RNLI AND OUR SUPPORTED SCHOOL IN AFRICA. THOSE DEMANDS WERE IN THAT SAME HEADING OF RESTRICTING POWERS AS DULY APPOINTED REGISTRAR.

5-7. ITS EFFECT WAS IMMEDIATE:- THE RAILWAY WAS FORCED TO CLOSE IN SPITE OF PLEA'S BY OUR SOLICITORS IN YORK. IN DESPERATION WE DROVE TO YORK OVER NIGHT TO SEE OUR SOLICITORS HOPING TO STOP PREVENTION OF THE PLANNED SANTA SPECIALS FOR THE ISLAND . (WE HAD ALREADY BEEN FORCED TO CLOSE THE TEA ROOM IN OCTOBER DUE TO MOVEMENT AND SEWAGE FLOODING THE PROPERTY DURING OUR HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAINS FOR THE ISLAND CHILDREN. AND CONTINUED RAISING FUNDS FOR AFRICA. OUR SOLICITORS IN YORK APPEALED TO THE COUNCIL LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO NO AVAIL. A SHAMEFUL FACT WAS THAT ON SEVEN OCCASIONS WE CONTACTED THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT BY PHONE , WHEN OUR NAME WAS GIVEN ,WE WERE ON EACH OCCASION, WHICH STILL BEGGARS BELIEF, DIVERTED TO THE TYPING POOL. ! THREE LETTERS SENT ROYAL MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY TODAY 16 MONTHS LATER ,REMAIN UNANSWERED BY THE COUNCILS OWN SOLICITORS INVOLVED, OR THOSE WRITTEN PLEA'S TO THE COUNCILS CHIEF SOLICITOR.

5-8.OVER THE NEXT SIX WEEKS FROM DECEMBER 7TH 2006 THE RAILWAY AND REGISTRAR BECAME 'PIGGY IN THE MIDDLE' OF PUBLIC AND POLITICAL MEDIA FRENZY IN THE PRESS, WORLD WIDE. SIR PETER, IN THAT ALLEGED DENIAL OF HIS HUMAN RIGHTS MADE STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS IN THOSE OF HIS RIGHTS TO A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP, AND IN HIS ENTITLEMENT TO A PLACE AND SETTING OF HIS CHOICE. (REGARDLESS OF HIS RIGHT AND REQUEST TO ARRIVE AT THAT LOCATION BY MINIATURE TRAIN OR ARRIVAL BY PARACHUTE OR PINK ROLLS. IT REMAINED HIS OWN ENTITLED FREEDOM OF CHOICE.) AS DULY APPOINTED REGISTRAR, THAT SERVICE WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ON PREMISES 'PASSED IS RE STATED , ONLY A FEW WEEKS BEFORE, BY THE SAME ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL BUILDING AND PLANNING CONTROL DEPARTMENTS AS FIT FOR THE 'PUBLIC' PURPOSE FOR WHICH THOSE PREMISES WERE INTENDED.

5-9. AT NO TIME MADE ON OATH, HAD THE REGISTRAR STATED ANY CEREMONY WOULD BE PERFORMED ON A TRAIN. IT WAS CLEAR DISCRIMINATION OF BOTH PARTIES BY COUNCIL OFFICIALS AND SHAMEFUL. THE COUNCIL THEN CHANGED IN FULL MEDIA VIEW THE REGISTRARS POWERS ON WHAT AT ONE POINT, WAS AN HOURLY CHANGING POLICY. THE COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE CLAIMING TO THE MEDIA REPEATEDLY ' THAT ALL PARTIES INVOLVED WERE BEING CONSULTED'. IN FACT IT WAS TO BE ANOTHER SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE RESPONDED TO THE REGISTRAR AND THEN ONLY AFTER THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL IN JANUARY 2007 HAD PUBLISHED A STATEMENT IN THE 'LETTERS PAGES' OF THE LOCAL PRESS "ORKNEY TODAY" FORCING THE RAILWAY TO RESPOND PUBLICALLY. THE EDITOR OF ORKNEY TODAY STATED THAT THE PRESS STATEMENT BY THE COUNCIL DID NOT ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS ASKED OF IT BY THE PRESS AND THE ORCADIAN PUBLIC IN THEIR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR AT WHAT HAD BECOME A WORLDWIDE MEDIA CIRCUS ALONG WITH THE LONG HOPE LIFEBOAT INCIDENT DOCUMENTED, AND THAT THE PEOPLE OF ORKNEY HAD A RIGHT TO KNOW WHY'

6-0.AT THE HEIGHT OF THE MEDIA STORM THROUGH THOSE CHANGING 'OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES BY COUNCIL 'SPOKESPERSONS' OVER THREE HUNDRED WORLD WIDE PRESS, RADIO, AND TELEVISION SOURCES APPROACHED THE REGISTRAR , AND HIS FAMILY WHO WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF PRESS STATEMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL, AND THEN IN REPLY BY SIR PETER MAXWELL DAVIES. SEVERAL LIVE ON AIR ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO THE REGISTRAR, FROM THE STATES, FAR EAST AND GERMANY, UNDER ACUTE PRESSURE, WHICH WERE SIGNIFICANTLY DISTRESSING THROUGH THE STATEMENTS MADE BY THE OTHER PARTIES ON A DAILY AND AT TIMES HOURLY CHANGING FRENZY FUELING THE MEDIA. INTERVIEWS WERE DEMANDED ON AIR AND THAT OF VIEWS ON GAY RIGHTS, OUTSIDE THAT OF A REGISTRARS DUTY AND CLARIFICATION OF WHAT THE COUNCIL AND SIR PETER WERE STATING. THE COUNCIL MOVING THE GOAL POSTS, VENUES, POWERS, LOCATIONS IN WHAT BECAME , ABUSIVE AND DEEPLY DISTRESSING INTIMIDATION. IT WAS AN HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE AND A WORLD AWAY FROM THE RAILWAY AND ALL THAT WE VALUED IN ACCEPTING THAT REGISTRARS APPOINTMENT IN THAT OF OUR DESIRE TO FURTHER SUPPORT OUR OWN ISLAND COMMUNITY WHEN THE COUNCIL PUBLISHED THE REGISTRARS HOME ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER IN THE PRESS ON APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE. ALL PRIVACY THEN WAS LOST TO THE MEDIA WITH THAT OF THE RAILWAY WHICH HAD BEEN ESTABLSHIED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

6-1.WE THEREFORE CORRECTLY IN APPOINTMENT AND AS A FAMILY, DECLINED TO TALK, PASSING ALL QUERIES IN CORRECT DUTY, BACK TO THE COUNCIL OR THE PARTIES INVOLVED.. ( THE MEDIA REGARDLESS PRINTING STORIES TO THE POINT WE HAD TO DEFEND OURSELVES.) SADLY, AT THE SAME TIME AS THIS FRENZY, A RESIDENT ON THE ISLAND HAD DIED. THE DUTY THEN OF THE REGISTRAR IN SUCH A REMOTE LOCATION WAS THAT OF THE DIGNITY OF THE DECEASED AND THEIR FAMILY. IT WAS PARAMOUNT IN BOTH RESPECT AND DUTY OF OFFICE AND DIGNITY THAT WHATEVER THE COUNCIL WERE STATING , AND CHANGING ALMOST HOURLY THAT OF THE RESIDENT REGISTRARS AUTHORITY THAT CAUSED US SUCH PERSONAL STRESS AND HUMILIATING THAT I REMAINED FOCUSED. HAD THE REGISTRAR RESIGNED AT THAT TIME, DUE TO SIGNIFICANT STORMS AND CANCELLED FERRIES ,AND THEN NOT IN HIS DUTIES ALLOCATED A PLOT IN THE KIRK YARD AFTER THE UNDERTAKER AFFIRMED THEIR OWN BURIAL PLANS WERE NOT UP TO DATE , I COULD NOT CONSIDER IT PROPER TO RESIGN. ENDURING 110 MPH WINDS TO DO SO, A PLOT WAS FOUND. THE DECEASED WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BURIED UNTIL AN INTERIM REGISTRAR HAD BEEN APPOINTED, OR THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE ISLAND. (ADMITTING THEY WERE NOT EVEN AWARE OF THE TWO SAFES OR THOSE DOCUMENTS THE ISLAND REGISTRAR HELD ANYWAY. IT WAS IN RESPECT OF THE DECEASED AND HIS FAMILY THAT THE REGISTRAR CONTINUED AND PERFORMED HIS DUTIES. FULLY AWARE THE COUNCIL HAD NO CONSIDERATION OF HIS OWN RESPECT OF OFFICE OR DUTY. DEEPLY DISTRESSING AT THE SAME TIME ,THE REGISTRARS FAMILY WERE SUBJECT TO ACUTE ABUSE AND PERSONAL DISTRESS AND THE VICTIMIZATION OF THE REGISTRARS SON AT THE LOCAL SCHOOL WHICH WAS LOGGED. ABUSIVE PHONE CALLS IN CLAIMS OF :-GAY LOVER ,PUFF ,QUEER , AND OTHER SHOCKING DISCRIMINATION WERE LEVELLED AT THE FAMILY FROM MANY QUARTERS... WE CONSIDER THAT ABUSE WAS AS A RESULT OF THOSE PUBLIC CHANGING POLICIES NOT OF OUR CONTROL. IT WAS A TERRIBLE TIME SO UNJUSTLY DESERVED, DISTRESSING US ALL PROFOUNDLY , ESPECIALLY THAT WHICH EFFECTED OUR OWN SON. ONLY AFTER THAT BURIAL AND RESPECT AND DIGNITY OF THE DECEASED HAD BEEN UPHELD AND HE WAS LAID TO REST, DID THE REGISTRAR APPALLED AT THAT DISCRIMINATION AND PERSECUTION THEN RESIGN.

6-2 The General Registrars Office in Edinburgh stating in document to the Registrar on 29.1.2007. 'In that of the media attention and the circumstances, your decision to resign seems the right one. The Orkney Islands Council were advised accordingly the GRO and the registrar.'

6-3. IT WAS SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE EVENTUALLY WROTE DISMISSING ANY RIGHT AS REGISTRAR , AND PROTEST WITH EIGHT YEARS SERVICE OF AN ENTERTAINMENTS LICENCE, INCREASED PUBLIC LIABILITY WE APPEALED WITHOUT THAT OF ANY GROUNDS, OUR SAFTY RECORD WAS 100% RARE FOR MINIATURE RAILWAYS. NO ACCIDENTS, OR ANY INJURY OVER EIGHT YEARS. ON REQUEST BY THE COUNCIL OUR SPECIALIST PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE HAD IMMEADIATLY SENT TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ON THE 7TH DECEMBER IN CONFIRMATION. NO VIEW OF THAT OR EXPLANATION WAS RETURNED OF ITS CLEAR VALIDITY.OR OF APPEAL OR THAT OF THE ADDITIONAL MATTER IN REGARD TO SIGNIFICANT STRUCTURAL FAILINGS . SIXTEEN MONTHS LATER . IN WHAT IS CONSIDERED A PROFESSIONAL LEGAL FAILURE OF SOLICITORS DUTY AFTER SERVING THOSE DOCUMENTS , THAT NO EXPLANATION HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING FROM THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL LEGAL DEPARTMENT FOR THAT NOTICE OF THE 7TH DECEMBER IN SPITE OF REPEATED DOCUMENTED APPEALS FROM THE VICTIMS AND SOLICITORS AT THE TIME TO RESPOND . AS THE EDITOR ORKNEY TODAY STATED AFTER THOSE FACTS BECAME PUBLIC THAT ' THE PEOPLE OF ORKNEY HAD A RIGHT TO KNOW. WHY?

6-4. BY JANUARY 2007 ( TO ANSWER THOSE CONCERNS FROM PARTIES WHOM HAD BOOKED MEALS, B & B AND GROUPS WHOM WISHED TO ATTEND THE RAILWAY IN 2007 TO WHOM WE AGAIN APOLOGISE AND TRUST YOU WILL NOW APPRECIATE WHY WE HAD TO CANCEL THOSE BOOKINGS.(WHICH ALSO EFFECTED OTHER BUSINESSES ON THE ISLAND.) THOSE BUILDING DEFECTS HAD BECOME MAJOR . CONSTANT FLOODING WITH RAINWATER PENETRATING THE PROPERTY ON EVERY OCCASION ( IT RAINS A LOT IN ORKNEY) MEANT WE HAD TO TAKE SHIFTS BOTH DAY AND NIGHT TO CONSTANTLY EMPTY BINS, BUCKETS, AND MOP FLOORING. AT TIMES OF RAINFALL FOR THREE FOUR DAYS AT A TIME BETWEEN THREE OF US EVEN WITH FRIENDS HELPING WE WERE EXHAUSTED.

6-5. THE TEA ROOMS STRUCTURE REPEATEDLY CONTINUED TO MOVE, AND DURING STORMS MAKING ANY VENTURE OUTSIDE OF PROFOUND SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE. (THE HIGHEST RECORDED WIND SPEED 17/18.3.2007 WAS 132 MPH ) MAJOR FITTINGS WERE RIPPED AWAY.THE STRUCTURE BECAME COMPLETELY UNSAFE. INSURANCE ON THE PROPERTY AND PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE WAS WITHDRAWN AND ANY CLAIMS WE MADE FOR DAMAGE REJECTED .( FOR LEGAL REASONS THAT CANNOT BE STATED AT THIS TIME. )THE PROPERTY WAS ALSO SUBJECT FOR OTHER REASONS, TO FLOODING FROM THE SURROUNDING FIELDS AND FROM EFFLUENCE BACK FLOWING THROUGH THE FLOORS,SINKS, TOILETS AND DRAINS. IN SPITE OF DESPERATE EFFORTS, AND IN USING SANDBAGS OVER THE HOLES, AND AS A BARRICADE AT THE FRONT OF THE PROPERTY, OVER MANY WEEKS TO 'SURVIVE' . DESPERATELY EXHAUSTED, WE THE FAMILY, WERE FORCED FROM THE PROPERTY DEEPLY AND PROFOUNDLY SHOCKED AND DISTRESSED ON 22ND APRIL 2007, THE REMOVAL COMPANY HAVING TO LAY BOARDS OVER THE SEWAGE TO RESCUE AND REMOVE THE FAMILY'S POSSESSIONS. IT WAS AN HORRIFIC AND WRETCHED DISTRESSING TIME . AFTER ALL WE HAD INVESTED, AND ENDURED, AND OUR RESPECT OF AND LOVE FOR THE ISLAND THAT WAS OUR HOME.. WE WERE HUMILIATED AND COMPLETELY DEVASTATED... NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THOSE LAST FEW WEEKS THAT HAVE LEFT SUCH A PROFOUND EFFECT ON US.... THE PROPERTY IS STILL CURRENTLY IN LEGAL REDRESS AND THEREFORE DETAILS AND OTHER PROFOUND AND SHOCKING HUMILIATING FACTS CANNOT AT THIS TIME BE RELEASED OTHER THAN THAT STATEMENT OF A DEEPLY PREMATURE, UNWARRANTED AND SHAMEFUL INJUSTICE.AT THIS TIME, FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, WE STILL OWN WHAT REMAINS OF OUR PROPERTY, ITS BUILDINGS, AND SEPERATLY THE STATION AND LAND THAT WAS 'SANDAY CENTRAL'..

6-6. IT DOES HOWEVER PERHAPS NOW IN ANSWER IN LIGHT THAT WE HAD A WONDERFUL PUBLIC FOLLOWING, AND OBLIGATIONS FOR THE COMING SEASONS IN RESPONSIBILITY IN TOURISM AND SERVICE, AND THAT OF OUR ADVERTISEMENTS ALREADY PLACED AND THOSE MANY BOOKINGS WE HAD HAD TO CANCEL FOR 2007, SOME OFFER OF AN ACCEPTANCE NOW AND EXPLANATION FOR IN THE END 'NOT STANDING AND FIGHTING' AS SOME OF THE ISLANDERS WANTED US TO DO.' WE WERE BY THIS TIME EXHAUSTED, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY AND OUR CONCERN WAS FOR OUR OWN FAMILY.

6-7. AS A DIRECT RESULT OF CONDUCT OF OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED, FORCED FROM OUR HOME, LOSS OF OUR BUSINESS, OR ABILITY TO LIVE OR WORK IN OUR OWN HOME, OR EVEN TO SELL IT AND MOVE ON WITH OUR LIVES .... ALL THOSE HUMAN RIGHTS HAVE ALL BEEN SHAMEFULLY DENIED TO US.. WE ARE AS WE HAVE NOW BEEN LEGALLY ADVISED THAT STATEMENT OF 'REFUGEE'S IN OUR OWN SOCIETY' IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

6-8. WE CONTINUE TO LIVE IN ENFORCED TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION, DENIED OF THAT FAMILY HOME, BUSINESS, AND RIGHT TO LIVE IN SOCIETY WHERE WE CHOOSE WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT IS OUR PROFOUND CONSIDERATION THAT, WE ARE, SHOCKINGLY IN DOCUMENTED FACTUAL EVIDENCE, IRREFUTABLY VICTIMS OF AN INJUSTICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL, AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES. BOTH CIVIL, AND LEGAL FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO JUSTICE HAS BEEN DENIED TO US, UNDER OUR RIGHTS OF AND THAT OF SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT POLICY OF 'ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL' THAT FAILING IS CURRENTLY ON APPEAL BEFORE THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT PENDING THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND IN FAILURE OF THAT, IN APPEAL AND PLEA TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, STRASBOURG. AS SET OUT IN 2-2 OF THIS STATEMENT.

THERE REMAIN OTHER TERRIBLY DISTRESSING FACTORS THAT WE AS A FAMILY HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO, THAT HAVE COMPOUNDED OUR LOSS AND DISTRESS. THOSE SHOCKING EVENTS REMAIN FULLY DOCUMENTED IN EVIDENCE AND IN CONSIDERED SHAMEFUL FURTHER VICTIMIZATION. AND PERSECUTION. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DISCLOSED AT THIS TIME FOR LEGAL REASONS.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT IN FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION TO RELEASE THOSE DOCUMENTED FACTS AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME IN THE INTERESTS OF OUR CONTINUED RIGHTS AS VICTIMS OF INJUSTICE AND THOSE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THOSE WITHIN OUR SOCIETY TO LIVE WORK, AND THAT RIGHT OF A HOME WITHIN THE SOCIETY AND BOUNDARIES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM .

THOSE RIGHTS REMAIN THE RIGHTS OF ALL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, REGARDLESS OF ANY 'CONFLICT OF INTEREST' OR THIRD PARTY ASSOCIATION, OR THAT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE.,THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE, WORK, AND HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE, WITHIN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS AND RIGHT OF LIFE NOT JUST TO 'SURVIVE' BUT LIVE UNVICTIMISED IN A CIVILIZED SOCIETY AS OF A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT.

TO BE SO PERSECUTED WE CONSIDER TODAY REMAINS THAT OF A DISGRACEFUL AND SHAMEFUL INJUSTICE. IT IS OUR RIGHT THAT UNLESS REDRESSED, THAT WE WILL PLEA THAT RIGHT BE UPHELD BEFORE THE EUROPEAN COURTS..

THE ORKNEY ISLANDS COUNCIL, AND OTHERS ARE WITH RESPECT ,WE REMIND THEM, AN INTERGRATED PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND BOUND BY ITS LAWS, AND THOSE HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS OF ALL ORCADIANS REGARDLESS, OF RELIGION, CULTURE. OR BELIEFS...IT IS OUR PROFOUND WISH, THAT NO OTHER ORCADIAN OR INCOMER ,EVER AGAIN IS SUBJECT TO SUCH SHAMEFUL COUNCIL POLITICS OR FAILURES. OR ENDURES ALL THAT WE HAVE SUFFERED AND LOST, IN OUR BELIEF OF THOSE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL ORCADIANS TO LIVE IN FREEDOM OF CHOICE, IN ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.... WITH OUR FAITH AND THAT OF REDRESS SO LONG OVERDUE, WE SEEK STILL THAT CLOSURE TO, WITH WHAT DIGNITY WE HAVE LEFT......... TO MOVE ON WITH OUR LIVES..

WRITTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE OF ALL LEGAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS IN FREEDOM OF THE RIGHT OF SPEECH. AND THOSE OF 2-2 ABOVE. WE TRUST WE HAVE ANSWERED THE MANY QUESTIONS ASKED OF US OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS...THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS, OUR FAMILY, AND TO THOSE MANY ORCADIANS WHOM HAVE WISHED US WELL AND CONSIDERED US IN THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.....

R.I.P. SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY & BRIEF ENCOUNTERS TEAROOMS...( CLOSED.)

NO PART OF THIS STATEMENT MAY BE USED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR'S AND PERMISSION OF SANDAY LIGHT RAILWAY. APRIL 2008. IT IS WRITTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE OF OUR CIVIL AND LEGAL RIGHTS AND IT REMAINS THAT OF COPYRIGHT FOR INFORMATION IN LIGHT OF OUR FORMER BUSINESS AND THAT CONTINUED INTEREST.

sandaylightrailway@hotmail.co.uk