Residents of the Orkney Islands are borrowing special 'boxes of light' from their local library to help combat the low mood associated with the region's famously dark winters. The initiative is part of a wider UK research project aimed at supporting the more than one million people across Britain who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Borrowing Light from Britain's Oldest Library
Since the clocks went back in October, Orkney Library & Archive – the oldest public library in Scotland – has been lending out Wintering Well Boxes. Sue House, an assistant librarian, reports the kits are already "super popular," with a waiting list in place.
Each box contains a therapeutic lamp designed to counteract the effects of low light on mental health, alongside a guidebook with tips for new indoor and outdoor winter routines. The kit also includes a 'sky frame' to help users focus on available natural light. "With only six hours of daylight in wintertime there's a growing awareness there are some very positive things you can do for yourself," House explained.
The service even reaches more remote communities via the library's mobile van, affectionately known locally as Booky McBookface.
Embracing the 'Attitude with the Latitude'
The project is led by Professor Hester Parr from the University of Glasgow and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It follows a successful pilot in East Dunbartonshire libraries last year.
Professor Parr notes that SAD is a historically contested condition but emphasises there is clear public recognition of how winter light affects wellbeing. "The public absolutely understand this experience," she said. "We are all of us, obviously, affected by light."
She argues that coping with SAD "depends on the attitude that comes with the latitude," pointing to Scandinavian countries that have learned to embrace winter light. The boxes are designed to encourage active, creative engagement with light, rather than passive reception.
Positive Impact on Daily Routines and Mood
Feedback from initial borrowers has been highly positive. Users reported feeling more able to start their days, and over half changed their routines to include walking in daylight and spending more time noticing seasonal changes in nature.
Erika Copland, a community link practitioner with Orkney GPs, described the winter challenge: sunset can be as early as 3.30pm. "It's that feeling of being enveloped by the darkness," she said. "You don't feel like going out, and it does bring your mood down." She hopes the word-of-mouth success on the islands will help more people cope.
Looking ahead, Professor Parr has an ambitious vision: "We plan to take over the world," she said brightly, expressing a desire to see these wellbeing boxes in every public library, recognising them as vital community health hubs, especially in rural areas.
