More of Neolithic Orkney

We continued our tour of the neolithic sites in Mainland Orkney this morning. Our first stop was the Ring of Brodgar. This is a large stone henge that pre-dates Stonehenge by 1000 years. However, it is not as old as the Stones of Stenness, being built about 500 years later. The Ring of Brodgar is the third largest henge in Britain. 

Tonnes of rock and dirt were dug out to create the outer ditch and exposing the bare rocks to a depth of 4 metres. It is thought, based on archaeological work nearby, that antler picks were used to dig the holes and move the earth. The archaeologists have found these picks in nearby excavations. 

From the Ring of Brodgar, we headed north to the Bay of Skaill where we visited the ever fascinating Skara Brae. Skara Brae is about 5000 years old and, thanks to archaeology and conservation, is in remarkably good condition. Skara Brae is a neolithic village, consisting of homes and a workshop. 

Each home has a hearth which was used not only for cooking but also for heat. 

The workshop is quite a large structure:

It is always breathtaking for me to see very real evidence of life, and a very busy life at that, from a time that is beyond our comprehension. It is incredibly humbling. 

Neolithic Orkney

It really is incomprehensible how old Orkney is. Not only in terms of how long the land has been here, but also how long there have been people inhabiting the islands. Today we ventured off to see parts of Neolithic Orkney. We started at Maeshowe, a chambered tomb that is more than 5,000 years old. 

Ed and Lynne bundled up against the wind and drizzle

The tomb

6 ft Ed exiting a 3 ft tunnel 

From Maeshowe, we ventured on up the road to Skara Brae and encountered the Running of the Bulls - Orkney Style as a farmer was moving his herd from one pasture to another. 

Skara Brae is an incredibly well-preserved neolithic village. The village likely housed up to 100 people. These people lived close together and appear to have worked in a community workshop where they built their tools and made their pottery. 

one of the homes - fireplace in the centre and beds along the walls

the workshop

another home

Skara Brae is on the property that belongs to Skaill House. A severe storm blew in off of the Bay of Skaill in 1850 and tore away at the shore line exposing remnants of the long buried neolithic village. The 7th Laird of Skaill recognized the significance of this and contacted the Society of Antiquaries in Edinburgh. Over several years, he continued to excavate the area. 

Skaill House

From Skara Brae, we headed over to the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar. This was the site of Pagan rituals celebrating the changing of the seasons, the spring and winter solstice, honouring death and other life changes.