The Kirkwall Ba Game is one of the main annual events held in the town of Kirkwall, in Orkney, Scotland. It is one of a number of Ba Games played in the streets of towns around Scotland; these are examples of traditional football games which are still played in towns in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
The two sides are the Uppies and the Doonies. Originally the side any individual played on was decided by whether he was born up or doon the gate, but with recent housing developments, this tends to be decided by family loyalties nowadays. Which side ferrylowpers (incomers) and people from the isles or rural areas take is either determined by the route taken on their first arrival in Kirkwall, by family influence, or by the side their friends play on.
Comments
Nice one Kye but who won? And how many got black eyes?
Great shot, very atmospheric.
Thanks Fiona and Fraser – the doonies won but I missed it as I was getting very cold and went home!
Didn’t count the black eyes but one or two of the players nearly lost their trousers and one had to tape his to his leg to carry on!