Orkney has been inhabited for at least 5,000 years.  Evidence of settlement is from both ends of this range, Skara Brae being the earliest settlement, modern building happening all over the island.

We were on a diving trip, so how come we were at Skara Brae?  In my case the weather forecast was for winds and rougher seas for the Thursday, getting better on Friday.  Not being the best sailor in the world, I felt it would be sensible to sit this one out on dry (?) land along with Steve, Dec and Jason.  We all felt having travelled this far, we ought to see a little of the island above water as well as below.

We started in Kirkwall, visiting the Cathedral to visit the HMS Royal Oak memorial, and then took in a few shops.  After breakfast we started our prehistoric odyssey.  

The first broch was the Broch of Gurness.  This was a settlement with a round tower in the centre.  After a very windy walk around we moved on to Broch number 2 - The Brough of Birsay.

The Brough of Birsay is reached by a tidal causeway and is only accessible for 2 hours either side of low tide.  By this time the weather had turned very wet and windy.  I decided that Steve’s truck was a must more comfortable location and stayed in the truck maintaining surface cover as the lads crossed to view the brough tower remains.  We then moved onto the “big one” – Skara Brae.

Skara Brae is a world heritage site.  This prehistoric village was built before the pyramids.  This was on my personal “to-do list”, but I never expected to have the opportunity to visit.  This village was constructed in a midden for protection from the elements.  Over the years it was covered by sand dunes.  In 1850 a fierce storm stripped the grass from the dune and exposed the village.  

The houses are well appointed, with dressers, beds and hearths within each house.  Overlooking the flow, the site is in a picturesque location.  It is ideally situated to exploit both the land and the sea for food.  We saw seals swimming in the clear waters.

It was while walking around the village I noticed the meeting of 2 strange individuals.  The possibility of the cold war breaking out has been discussed before on this website.  Were they 2 spies meeting to plot their nefarious activities?  Coincidence or what?

 

To see more pictures from this trip visit the Excalibur Photo Gallery here.