A Frayed Knot Cleans Up Scapa Flow

London born Mark Cook moved to the Orkney Islands three years ago.

Mark has always had a passion for knots and making things from rope. One day he was out walking when he spotted some abandoned rope on the shoreline. He picked it up and reworked it.

"When I saw so much rope lying on the beach, I was like a kid at Christmas. It sparked something in me to turn it into a practical object that will be used for years."

What started as a fun way to pass time has evolved into a cottage industry, for Mark specialises in all things knots. He creates something useful and decorative out of marine litter and recovered ghost fishing gear. His work - coasters and door mats - are now sold in local shops in Kirkwall and Stromness.

The full story can be found here.