oldscalloway Posted October 24, 2008 Report Share Posted October 24, 2008 My grandad came from Wester Quarff. When this was mentioned when I was a peerie boy, Wester Quarff was always followed by "the valley of the dry bones". I know there is something in the Bible about dry bones, but wondered if anyone knew why Wester Quarff had this title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
two sheds Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 According to folklore whale bones were used as linds to help haul boats through the Quarff valley, this was to save the crews having to sail all the way round the isles. The bones were gathered in piles after they were used ready to be used again by the next boat - hence the name. Also, the old norse name for Quarff was Hvarfi which I have been told means turning point, this seems to add creedence to the stories of boats using the valley as a short cut! Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostrider Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 ^^ They used to haul boats overland Spiggie - Boddam, sailing them the lengths of Brew and Spiggie Lochs in the process, so that they avoided having to deal with the Roost taking them round the Heads. The land haul wouldn't be much further or steeper Easter - Wester Quarff, so it would make sense if the same thing was done there too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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