Stromness, Standing Stones of Sternness, Ring of Brodgar, Barnhouse Village and Skaill House, Scotland

The Standing Stones of Stenness is a Neolithic monument on the mainland of Orkney, Scotland. This may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles.

In 1814 there was a local outcry when the farmer leasing the land started to pull the stones down-annoyed at having to plough around them. He destroyed the nearby Odin Stone and toppled one of the stones of Stenness before he was stopped.  The local population was so enraged they attempted twice, to burn his house down. 

The significance of the Stones of Stenness continued long after it was first built.  It held a special place in the traditions of the Orcadian people and captured the imagination of those who visited. 

The Ring of Brodgar  is thought to be between 4,400 and 4,600 years old. This is the third largest henge (circular enclosure) in Britain. Tons of rock and earth were dug out to create the outer ditch , exposing the bare rock to a depth of 4m. 

Ring of Brodgar 

Skara Brae and Skaill House the best preserved prehistoric village in Europe and the house of the man who discovered it.

In 1850 a storm uncovered one of the most remarkable archeological sites in the world. Preserved beneath the dunes was a 5000 year old village.

The reconstruct interior of a prehistoric home

This is a reconstructed home that we are able to enter. They had a sleeping area, shelves for their special items, and a cooking area. 

A home that was uncovered  

The shoreline has completely changed 

Part of the archeological site

The Skaill House is Orkney’s finest mansion overlooking the spectacular Bay of Skaill. It is over 400 years old. It was originally built as a simple mansion house in the 1620’s. The successive Lairds over the centuries added on including extensive internal alternations.