Kirkwall, Mainland Orkney, Scotland
The morning was spent at sea as we traversed the waters once furrowed by Viking longships linking the Norwegian town of Bergen to the north eastern Scottish Orkney archipelago. After staff intros the guests were given a presentation in the lounge as an introduction to the fascinating prehistory of Britain and Ireland. This area has some of the most important archaeological sites in Western Europe and indeed a whole region of Mainland Orkney has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the extraordinary rich range of Neolithic or New Stone and Bronze Age monuments that pepper the island landscape.
The highlight for many was the afternoon spent exploring in detail the archaeological heritage of Orkney. Accompanied by our learned and experienced guides we first arrived at the famous Ring of Brodgar which was erected by early Bronze Age folk between 2,500-2,000 BC. Of an original 60 standing stones only 27 remain. These are enclosed by a circular ditch and access to the circle’s interior was by means of 2 causeways. Scanning the surrounding countryside a number of contemporary field monuments are evident. It was interesting to contemplate the possible uses to which the stone circle was put and the part it played in their cultural package.
This is also an area rich in bird life and lapwings, curlews and oyster catchers captivated and added sound and color as we walked back to our coach and headed off to the exceptionally well preserved Stone Age village of Skara Brae. Aptly enough this entire habitation is built of stone and dates to around 3,100 BC. A storm in 1850 removed the top of a sand dune exposing the village. Excavated in the 1920s the remains of at least 8 houses and hundreds of artifacts have given us an insight into the lifestyle and skills of the prehistoric inhabitants who were responsible for introducing a farming lifestyle to this area. This is a site which spell binds. Gazing down into the empty shells of the houses it is easy to visualize the families who occupied this space in the distant past.
A group of guests had chosen a natural history option to the smaller adjoining island of Shapinsay where they made their way by local ferry. A wide range of song- and shore birds were spotted.
To cap off a wonderful day of introduction to the ancient heritage and wildlife of Scotland a local traditional music group, ‘Hullion,’ entertained us with their distinctive skills in the lounge.
