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. 

Govan Old Parish Church and the Govan Stones

After watching the Time Team episode on Govan and the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, I decided that a visit to Govan Old Parish Church to see the Govan Stones was in order. 

I ventured out on April 26th in the chucking rain and was not disappointed. What an amazing history this church has. 

During an excavation, a number of ancient stones, dating back to between the 9th and 11th centuries, were uncovered in the church yard. It is thought that these stones are so large and elaborate because they originally were carved to commemorate the lives of some of the more powerful kings and families in the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde. 

The church has done an amazing job of showcasing the 31 stones, which are displayed throughout the church, with storyboards explaining the carvings and thoughts behind their meaning. 

Perhaps the most impressive part of the collection are the 5 Hogback stones. These date from the 11th century and are relics from the time when Viking lords were settling in the area. The stones are thought to be in the same shape as the Viking longhouses. The stones are referred to as Hogbacks because the curved carvings look similar to a pig's back. 

This historic display of old gravestones, including the very rare Hogbacks is open to the public every day from 1:00 - 4:00 and only a couple of blocks from the Govan subway station. The display is free to view, although a donation is a terrific idea. The guides are very knowledgeable and eager to share the rare display with others. 

If you have an interest in: grave slabs, old stones, graveyards, ancient history, vikings, archaeology, Scotland, Glasgow or old churches, I highly, highly recommend a visit. 

http://www.thegovanstones.org.uk/