Skara Brae

Welcome to Skara Brae, a site of unparalleled archaeological significance situated on the rugged west coast of the Orkney Mainland. This Neolithic village, often referred to as the 'Scottish Pompeii,' offers an extraordinary…

Our journey begins at the modern Visitor Center, which serves as the intellectual gateway to the Neolithic past. Here, you can immerse yourself in the archaeological history of the site, from its discovery by William Watt of…

Before visiting the actual ruins, we pause at the full-scale reconstruction of 'House 7.' This replica is essential for understanding the sensory reality of Neolithic life. Unlike the roofless remains in the main village, this…

As we arrive at the main village site, we look down into House 1, which perfectly illustrates the typical layout of a Phase Two dwelling, dating from around 2900 BCE. Each house in the settlement shares the same basic square…

One of the most unique features of Skara Brae is the network of stone-lined, covered passages that connected the houses. These passages were just over one meter high, roofed with stone slabs and then covered by the protective…

We now focus our attention on House 7, the most best-preserved and perhaps the most mysterious structure in the village. House 7 is unique for several reasons: it is completely detached from the rest of the village, accessed only…

Our final stop within the village is Building 8, which stands apart from the other midden-encased dwellings and is currently referred to as the 'workshop' or 'marketplace.' This building is egg-shaped with a porch at the end and,…

As we conclude our journey through Skara Brae, we stand on the edge of the Bay of Skaill, looking out over the Atlantic waters that both revealed and now threaten this ancient treasure. We have moved from the academic halls of…