'Shoogly Holm' Floating Sculpture Launch
The ‘Shoogly Holm’ mooring, an underwater hotel welcoming Stromness sea-life since last autumn, will be topped with a floating sculpture designed by artist Jenny Pope during a launch event with Stromness Museum on their pier, on Sunday 12th April 2026 at 3pm.
Jenny Pope and Stromness Museum Climate Change Exhibitions and Outreach Officer Katy Firth will talk about the project, its inspiration and processes, while Karen Boswarva from Seasearch Scotland will present a taster of the life she has discovered colonising the mooring over recent months.
The occasion will echo Shoogly Holm’s principles of resilience and hope, with singing from Sarah Jane Gibbon and Emma Grieve, and buoyant poetry recited by Silas Dowdy. Entertainment will be accompanied by cake and a wee toast to wish the sculpture well in its new temporary home. The Nav School’s Mark Shiner (Orkney College Maritime Studies Department) will tow the sculpture into position, where it will remain until the Orkney International Science Festival in September 2026.
Everyone is invited to attend this informal gathering, learn more about the Shoogly Holm project and share in its optimistic outlook.
For more information about Shoogly Holm, read the summary on our What’s On page.
