Safety announcement on MV Hamnavoe (W11)

Q. Can you recall a particular sound which strongly evokes a place or memory?

Safety announcement on MV Hamnavoe

Q. Where do you remember hearing this sound?

Stromness, Orkney

Q. What is your memory or story surrounding this sound?

On the Hamnavoe ferry when travelling to and from Stromness. The safety announcement is one of the first things you hear when you get on the ferry – on any ferry in Orkney. It’s part of island life – a clear marker of coming home or going away. When I first came and went in the early 2000s, I came to recognise the recorded voice as that of Graham Garson – now a teacher but then a regular presenter on Radio Orkney, amongst other things.

The first words of his announcement had such a wonderful rhythm, almost percussive – perfect for the bounce of the boat on the waves – ‘Welcome aboard the Hamnavoe’ – Dadadi-daa-di-daa-di-daa. The announcement has changed since, I think, but I always hear Graham’s voice. It surely merits a tune and if I could write one, I would.On the Hamnavoe ferry when travelling to and from Stromness. The safety announcement is one of the first things you hear when you get on the ferry – on any ferry in Orkney. It’s part of island life – a clear marker of coming home or going away. When I first came and went in the early 2000s, I came to recognise the recorded voice as that of Graham Garson – now a teacher but then a regular presenter on Radio Orkney, amongst other things.

The first words of his announcement had such a wonderful rhythm, almost percussive – perfect for the bounce of the boat on the waves – ‘Welcome aboard the Hamnavoe’ – Dadadi-daa-di-daa-di-daa. The announcement has changed since, I think, but I always hear Graham’s voice. It surely merits a tune and if I could write one, I would.

Q. How does this sound make you feel?

Happy, Nostalgic