The Orkney Launch of Sara Bailey's novel 'Dark Water' in pictures

We were privileged to be able to hold the launch for Sara Bailey's first novel 'Dark Water' at Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney. The team at Highland Park laid on a wonderful spread for our intimate crowd and in particular offered us a sample of a very special whisky, Dark Origins, such a perfect complement to the book.

We had a wonderful evening at the launch. None of us could imagine a more perfect setting in which to celebrate the publication of Dark Water. Jacqui Lofthouse, founder of Nightingale and Stephanie Zia of Blackbird Books attended - on their first trip to Orkney. We were joined by local media (The Orcadian) and booksellers as well as Sara Bailey's family. A second larger launch will be held at Orkney Library on Saturday 22nd October. Our trip to Orkney was extremely memorable and we're looking forward to sharing our images of the island in a subsequent post...

We do hope you will enjoy reading 'Dark Water'. The writer Amy Liptrot, author of 'The Outrun' writes:  "I couldn't help but be fascinated by this book. It uses the Orkney setting beautifully, and the islands are intertwined with the story of a woman facing the past she'd evaded for years: both in the clarity of the light and the roughness of the sea. It uses suspense and structure with skill ... The final scene was brilliantly described. Suspense, sex and selkie girls: irresistible!"

Our thanks to the team at Highland Park for such a wonderful evening. It's one we will always remember.