George Mackay Brown's Greenvoe: A Window into the Past and a Reflection on Orkney's Modern Economy

Introduction?

George Mackay Brown, one of Scotland's most distinguished writers, is celebrated for his evocative depictions of Orkney's landscapes, history, and people. His novel Greenvoe (1972) stands as a powerful narrative that intricately weaves together the lives of the inhabitants of an imaginary Orkney island called Hellya, highlighting the cultural and economic challenges they face in the wake of “progress”. The novel is a series of vignettes on the people of Hellya as they face an initially hidden threat to their routine and historic way of life. The islanders are not portrayed as particularly attractive, in fact all have significant faults, so this is not a nostalgic view of an idyl lost. By examining Greenvoe and other works by Brown, we are given an insight through his literary vision of Orkney's economic evolution, particularly in light of the changes brought by the oil industry and fishing. Without giving away the ending of Greenvoe “progress” inevitably does not give the outcome people hoped for. It is a dark, comedic and lyrical novel.???

The World of Greenvoe and Its Implications?

Greenvoe is set in a fictional Orkney community on the island of Hellya. The novel depicts a week in the life of the island's inhabitants as they experience a peripeteia, a turning point. The central plot revolves around the construction of a mysterious project known as "Operation Black Star," which ultimately threatens to uproot the island's traditional way of life. Brown's portrayal of the islanders—ranging from fishermen and crofters to a schoolteacher and a minister—captures the diversity and richness of Orkney's social fabric.?

At the heart of Greenvoe lies a tension between tradition and modernity, a theme that resonates deeply with the real-world economic developments in Orkney during the 20th century. The islanders' livelihoods, rooted in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale industries, are depicted as being under siege by external forces of change. Operation Black Star symbolizes the encroachment of modern, sinister, interests that threaten to displace traditional ways of living. This narrative can be seen as a reflection of the broader changes that Orkney faced, particularly with the advent of the oil industry in the 1970s and the effects on traditional fishing practices, as well as harking back to Orkney’s long military history.?

Orkney's Economy: A Historical Perspective?

For centuries, Orkney's economy was largely based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trade. The islands' strategic location between mainland Scotland and Scandinavia made them a vital trading hub, particularly during the Norse period. However, by the 19th and early 20th centuries, Orkney's economy was characterized by relative isolation and economic hardship, with many Orcadians relying on crofting and fishing for their livelihoods. The export of labour to marine industry or Hudson Bay Company.??

Fishing, in particular, has been a cornerstone of Orkney's economy for generations. The islands' rich fishing grounds, particularly for herring, provided employment and sustenance for many islanders. However, by the mid-20th century, the fishing industry was in decline due to overfishing, changing markets, and the impact of new regulations. This decline is mirrored in Greenvoe, where the fishermen of Hellya are portrayed as struggling against dwindling catches and economic uncertainty.?

The Arrival of the Oil Industry?

The discovery of oil in the North Sea in the 1960s and the subsequent development of oil infrastructure in the 1970s brought significant economic change to Orkney. The construction of the Flotta oil terminal in Scapa Flow transformed the islands into a key logistical hub for the North Sea oil industry. This development brought with it a wave of new jobs, increased wealth, and improved infrastructure, but it also introduced new challenges and tensions.?

In Greenvoe, the impending arrival of Operation Black Star can be seen as a metaphor for the arrival of the oil industry in Orkney, although it is somewhat more sinister and transient. Just as the project threatens to disrupt the islanders' way of life, the oil industry introduced a new economic order that had both positive and negative consequences for the islands. On the one hand, the oil industry brought economic prosperity, modern amenities, and global connections. On the other hand, it also led to social disruption, environmental concerns, and a sense of loss among those who valued Orkney's traditional ways of life.?

Brown's novel captures this ambivalence, reflecting the mixed feelings that many Orcadians may have experienced as they navigated the economic changes brought about by the oil industry. The novel's portrayal of a community at a crossroads resonates with the real-world experience of Orkney, where the benefits of economic modernization have often been accompanied by a sense of cultural and environmental loss.?

Economic Transformations and Environmental Concerns?

One of the critical aspects of Orkney's modern economy, as reflected in Greenvoe and other works by Brown, is the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability. The arrival of the oil industry, while economically beneficial, also raised concerns about the environmental impact on Orkney's fragile ecosystems. The construction of the Flotta oil terminal and the increase in maritime traffic through Scapa Flow brought with it the risk of oil spills, pollution, and other environmental hazards. Its likely winding down over the next 10 to 20 years is also foreshortened for dramatic effect in the novel.?

In Greenvoe, the islanders' relationship with the land and sea is portrayed as deeply interconnected, with their livelihoods and culture depending on the health of the natural environment. The threat posed by Operation Black Star is not only to the islanders' way of life but also to the environment that sustains them. This theme is particularly relevant today, as Orkney continues to grapple with the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.?

In recent years, Orkney has become a leader in renewable energy, particularly wind, tidal, and wave power. This shift towards sustainable energy sources reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect Orkney's environment while also ensuring economic prosperity. The transition to renewable energy can be seen as a continuation of the themes explored in Greenvoe, where the tension between tradition and modernity, and between economic growth and environmental preservation, remains central.?

Fishing: A Tradition at Risk?

Fishing, once the lifeblood of Orkney's economy, has faced significant challenges in recent decades. The decline of traditional fisheries, particularly herring, has been compounded by the impact of overfishing, changing regulations, and competition from larger fishing fleets. The result has been a decline in the number of fishermen and a loss of the traditional knowledge and skills associated with the industry.?

In Greenvoe, the decline of fishing is depicted as a metaphor for the broader decline of traditional ways of life in Orkney. The fishermen of Hellya are portrayed as struggling to adapt to changing economic conditions, with many facing the prospect of abandoning their traditional livelihoods. This theme resonates with the real-world experience of Orkney's fishing communities, who have had to navigate the challenges of a changing industry and a globalized economy.?

However, despite these challenges, fishing remains an important part of Orkney's identity and economy. Today, Orkney's fishing industry has diversified, with a focus on sustainable practices and high-value products such as shellfish. The industry has also benefited from the growth of aquaculture, particularly salmon farming, which has provided new opportunities for employment and economic growth. Yet, the tensions between tradition and modernity, and between economic development and environmental sustainability, continue to shape the future of Orkney's fishing industry.?

Tourism: A Double-Edged Sword?

Tourism has emerged as a key sector in Orkney's modern economy, attracting visitors drawn to the islands' rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The growth of tourism has brought significant economic benefits, providing employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue for the islands. However, it has also raised concerns about the impact on Orkney's environment, infrastructure, and way of life. The need for workers’ homes in Stromness to support the fishing and other local industries being outpriced by tourist accommodation or second homes.??

In Greenvoe, the arrival of outsiders, whether through Operation Black Star or the growing interest in Hellya's natural beauty, is portrayed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it brings new opportunities and economic benefits; on the other hand, it threatens to disrupt the islanders' way of life and erode their cultural heritage. This ambivalence towards tourism is reflected in the real-world experience of Orkney, where the growth of the tourism industry has brought both opportunities and challenges.?

One of the key challenges facing Orkney's tourism industry is the need to manage growth in a sustainable way. The increase in visitor numbers, particularly during the summer months, has put pressure on the islands' infrastructure, including transport, accommodation, and waste management. There is a real need to manage the increasing number of day-trippers from cruise liners, or campervans detouring from NC500 for a day or two. These contribute little to the local economy but bring disruption.??

Cultural Heritage and Community Resilience?

One of the central themes of Greenvoe is the resilience of the island community in the face of change. Despite the challenges posed by Operation Black Star, the islanders of Hellya demonstrate a deep connection to their land, culture, and way of life. This sense of community resilience is a recurring theme in Brown's work and is reflected in the real-world experience of Orkney.?

An interesting comparison is Greenvoe and Bill Forsyth’s film Local Hero both explore the impact of modernity on small, traditional communities. Greenvoe delves into the disruption of an Orkney village by industrial forces, while Local Hero portrays a Scottish coastal town facing a corporate takeover, highlighting the tension between progress and preservation.?

Orkney's cultural heritage, rooted in its Norse past, maritime traditions, and unique island identity, has been a source of strength and resilience for its people. This heritage is celebrated in the islands' festivals, music, art, and literature, all of which contribute to a strong sense of community and place. The preservation of this cultural heritage has been a key factor in Orkney's ability to navigate the challenges of economic change and modernization. This is a strong thread cleverly woven throughout the novel.?

Today, efforts to preserve and promote Orkney's cultural heritage are central to the islands' economic development. Initiatives such as the Orkney Museum, the Orkney Arts Festival, and the work of local artists and writers help to keep the islands' traditions alive while also attracting visitors and generating economic benefits. This focus on cultural heritage is a testament to the enduring relevance of the themes explored in Greenvoe, where the preservation of tradition is seen as essential to the islands' future.?

Conclusion: Greenvoe and the Future of Orkney?

George Mackay Brown's Greenvoe remains a powerful and relevant work that speaks to the economic, cultural, and environmental challenges facing Orkney today. The novel's exploration of the tension between tradition and modernity, and between economic development and environmental preservation, reflects the complexities of Orkney's economic evolution over the past century.?

As Orkney continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the themes explored in Greenvoe offer valuable insights into the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage. The novel serves as a reminder of the need to protect the unique character of Orkney, even as the islands embrace new industries and opportunities.?

In this sense, Greenvoe is not just a work of fiction but a reflection of the real-world challenges facing Orkney and a call to action for those who care about the islands' future. As Orkney continues to evolve, the lessons of Greenvoe—the importance of community, the value of tradition, and the need for sustainability—remain as relevant as ever.?

The new challenges faced by Orkney include the development of the West of Orkney offshore windfarm, increased tourist traffic from cruise liners, a rapidly ageing population as retirees come to live or a possible reduction in oil revenues as North Sea capacity decreases. These all have knock-on effects on available housing, strain on public services, issues with finding skilled labour.????

Sustainability in today’s Orkney?

For how Orcadians are taking control of their own interests for future developments in their economy, welfare and natural heritage you can visit the Island Centre for Net Zero programme website www.icnz.com ?