The Orkney Islands, off the far north of Scotland, have one of the richest surviving Neolithic landscapes in the British Isles. A cluster of stone circles, tombs and villages that still stand today, thousands of years after their construction, form the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These monuments, settlements and ritual sites give an unparalleled glimpse into prehistoric life on the islands.
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Orkney Islands have a long and varied history, but it is the Stone Age period that is most visible today. Orkney is seen as a major prehistoric cultural landscape, one of the most significant in western Europe. Dating back around 5,000 years, its ancient monuments are even older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is designated as a World Heritage Site because it preserves an exceptional concentration of Neolithic sites that give an insight into how early farming communities lived, worshipped and organised their world. The inscription covers four major monuments on Orkney Mainland, as well as a number of lesser structures.
Exploring The Sites Of Neolithic Orkney
These locations can all be found on Orkney Mainland, the largest island of the archipelago. Here you can explore the places where prehistoric people of the Orkney Islands lived and worked, and discover a society capable of building complex houses and religious structures.
Skara Brae
The village of Skara Brae is often described as the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Europe. It was discovered by chance in the 19th century after a storm stripped away the sand dunes that had hidden it for thousands of years. Around ten of the houses have now been excavated but archaeologists believe the domestic settlement was once much larger. Its position beside the sea suggests that coastal erosion, combined with the loss of a freshwater source, may have led to abandonment of the complex.
Because of the harsh climate, the houses were built partly underground and linked by a network of low tunnels. This design offered shelter from the wind and helped to maintain warmth. The site also includes a full reconstruction of one of the houses, allowing you to go inside and see how our ancestors lived. You’ll see a central hearth, beds and toilet area, and stone furniture including a dresser for storing belongings.
Ring Of Brodgar
The nearby Ring of Brodgar is around 5,000 years old. It originally consisted of 60 upright stones, of which 36 remain today. The surviving stones are encircled by a massive ditch cut into the bedrock, and surrounded by four large mounds (added during the Bronze Age).
The exact purpose of the Ring of Brodgar is uncertain. It may have been a gathering place, or have had a role in astronomical observation. Or, given that the surrounding area is dotted with burial mounds, standing stones and other ceremonial features, it may have had some ritual use. An alternative explanation for the existence of the ring is that the stones are a band of giants who were turned to stone as they were too busy dancing to worship the sun as it rose one morning…
Stones Of Stenness Circle And Henge
The Stones of Stenness are also part of what is likely to have been a ceremonial complex. Only four stones remain from the original twelve, including one whose shape leads it to be known as the “Anvil Stone”. The site may once have been linked to processions or rituals that connected it with the Ring of Brodgar and the Ness of Brodgar. The latter is a vast – and as yet mostly unexcavated – archaeological area thought to contain a massive complex of buildings from the Neolithic period.
The Stones of Stenness are among the oldest stone circles in Britain. They are approximately the same age as Castlerigg in Cumbria, and quite a bit older than the famous stones of Avebury.
Maeshowe
The Chambered Tomb of Maeshowe (or Maes Howe) is regarded as a masterpiece of Stone Age engineering. Its long entrance passage aligns precisely with the setting sun for a period of a few weeks on either side of the Winter Solstice. At this time the sun lights up the inner chamber, a demonstration of prehistoric astronomical knowledge.
Note that visits to Maeshowe need to be pre-booked – see practical information below.
Other Prehistoric Sites On Orkney
The UNESCO site extends beyond the four headline monuments, with dozens of cairns, tombs and ritual areas, many only partly excavated. One important location is the Unstan Chambered Cairn, which offers an understanding of ancient burial practices. The narrow entrance leads into a stone-built chamber divided into stalls. Pottery and human remains have been found here.
How To Visit The Neolithic Heart Of Orkney
- The sites are managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Members can enter free of charge, and there are reciprocal arrangements for members of English Heritage.
- Most visitors begin at the Skara Brae visitor centre, which has information, artefacts and touch-screen presentations.
- Buses cover most of the island’s sights, or you might prefer to hire a car to get around.
- Guided tours are available from Stromness.
- Access to Maeshowe is strictly limited and visits are by guided tour only. See the website to book your visit.
- You can learn more about Skara Brae with this virtual tour.
- The Neolithic Heart of Orkney is a stop on the Scotland UNESCO Trail, connecting sites such as the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh and the Antonine Wall.
