Neolithic Orkney

The designated UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Stone Age village of Skara Brae, the chambered tomb of Maeshowe, and the megalithic circles known as the Ring of Brodgar and Stones of Stenness. These monuments date back to roughly 3100 to 2500 BC.

The prehistoric settlement of Skara Brae was remarkably preserved under coastal sand dunes for thousands of years until a severe storm stripped the grass away in 1850. It is often referred to as the 'Scottish Pompeii' due to its incredible level of preservation.

Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered cairn famous for its precise winter solstice alignment. For a few days around the winter solstice, the setting sun shines directly down its entrance passage to illuminate the inner chamber.

Yes, Norse crusaders broke into Maeshowe during the 12th century. They left behind a fascinating collection of runic graffiti carved into the ancient stone walls, making it one of the largest collections of Viking runes outside of Scandinavia.