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Orkney and Shetland History, Heritage and Archaeology Orkney and Shetland search Treasures from St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland search St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney search Shetland fiddling traditions search The Old Man of Hoy, Orkney From the remains of our earliest settlements going back Ring of Brodgar which experts estimate may have taken more thousands of years, through the turbulent times of the than 80,000 man-hours to construct. Not to be missed is the Middle Ages and on to the Scottish Enlightenment and fascinating Skara Brae - a cluster of eight houses making up the Industrial Revolution, every area of Scotland has its Northern Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village. own tale to share with visitors. You’ll also find evidence of more recent history to enjoy, such The Orkney islands have a magical quality and are rich in as Barony Mill, a 19th century mill which produced grain for history. Here, you can travel back in time 6,000 years and Orkney residents, and the Italian Chapel, a beautiful place of explore Neolithic Orkney. There are mysterious stone circles worship built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. to explore such as the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the The Shetland Islands have a distinctive charm and rich history, and are littered with intriguing ancient sites. Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement is one of the most Events important and inspirational archaeological sites in Scotland, january Up Helly Aa while 2,000 year old Mousa Broch is recognised as one of www.uphellyaa.org Europe’s archaeological marvels. The story of the internationally famous Shetland knitting, Orkney Folk Festival M ay with its intricate patterns, rich colours and distinctive yarn www.orkneyfolkfestival.com spun from the wool of the hardy breed of sheep reared on the islands, can be uncovered at the Shetland Textile Museum. September Shetland Wool Week October www.shetlandwoolweek.com The history of Shetland’s heritage and culture from its earliest geological origins to the present day is told at the Shetland October Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival Museum and Archives in Lerwick. www.shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] Day 1 - Orkney 1 2 3 4 Skara Brae – is the best preserved group St Magnus Way – The St Magnus Way is a long St Magnus Cathedral – Britain’s most Italian Chapel – one of Scotland’s most of prehistoric houses in Western Europe. distance pilgrimage route through Mainland northerly cathedral, known as the 'Light in the unusual churches, built on the Orkney island The Neolithic settlement, lying near the Orkney, inspired by the life and death of North', was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl of Lamb Holm by 550 Italian prisoners of war dramatic white beach of the Bay of Skaill, was Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint. From Evie Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus. who constructed the Churchill Barriers during uncovered by a storm in 1850 and presents a to Kirkwall, the 55 miles trail features five With its distinctive red sandstone hues, it’s one WW2. Built from two Nissan huts and such remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years separate stages, taking in spectacular cliffs, of Orkney's most significant landmarks. everyday objects as tins and car exhausts, ago. rolling farmland, bustling villages and the T: 01856 874894 the chapel is a unique and special place to T: 0131 668 8831 serene coastline of Scapa Flow. E: [email protected] experience. E: [email protected] www.stmagnusway.com www.stmagnus.org www.orkney.com 5 6 7 8 Maeshowe Chambered Cairn – part of the Bishop’s & Earl’s Palaces – discover the town’s Broch of Gurness – one of the most impressive Barony Mill – a working water-powered mill Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, oldest surviving domestic building – part of surviving examples of an Iron Age settlement specialising in stone-ground bere meal. The this fine chambered tomb is more than 5000 the medieval cathedral complex at its heart. that is unique to northern Scotland. It provides present mill was built in 1873. Grinding takes years old. It contains a stone built passage and These palaces are regarded as two of the a vivid impression of life in the Scottish Iron place here over the winter, and in the summer burial chamber with cells in the walls. Look out finest examples of architecture in Scotland Age, and gives an insight into what was months the mill is open to visitors with the of the graffiti runes on the walls of the main and highlight Orkney's close Norse and probably the residence of the principal family opportunity to see the miller demonstrate the chamber carved by Viking crusaders! ecclesiastical links. of the community. running of the machinery. T: 0131 668 8831 T: 0131 668 8831 T: 0131 668 8831 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot www.historicenvironment.scot www.historicenvironment.scot Day 3 - Shetland 1 2 3 4 Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement – Shetland Museum and Archives – found within Mousa Broch – Mousa Broch is one of the Quendale Watermill – this powerful watermill one of the most important archaeological sites a restored 19th century dock in Lerwick, the finest surviving examples of a 2,000 year old was a built as a labour saving revolution in Scotland, providing a fascinating insight into museum tells the story of Shetland’s heritage Iron Age tower or broch, and one of Europe’s for farmers and crofters in the late 1860s, the way of life in Shetland from the late Bronze and culture from its earliest geological origins archaeological marvels. Take the short boat replacing traditional hand querns for grinding Age to the Middle Ages. It includes Bronze Age to the present day. The collection ranges trip across from Sandwick to the island of cereals. Beautifully restored, the mill now houses, an Iron Age broch, Viking long houses, from delicate Shetland lace to Pictish art or a Mousa, and climb to the top of the broch for houses a visitor centre with an exhibition of old and a 16th century laird’s house. fascinating collection of boats. incredible views across Mousa Sound. farming methods and croft implements. T: 0131 668 8831 T: 01595 695057 T: 0131 668 8831 T: 01950 460969 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.historicenvironment.scot www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk www.historicenvironment.scot www.quendalemill.co.uk 5 6 7 8 St Ninian’s Isle – cross the wonderful beach Old Scatness – an Iron Age broch and village in Viking Unst – Unst, the most northerly island Scalloway Museum & Castle – discover the tombolo to the ancient chapel on the isle. the south mainland of Shetland, is one of the in Britain, is thought to be the first foot-fall story of Shetland’s ancient capital Scalloway, excavated in the late 1950s then again in biggest archaeological excavations in Europe of Vikings in the North Atlantic. Unst has the from the earliest settlers right up to the present 2000/2001, it demonstrates the continuity of in recent years and is believed to date from highest density of rural Viking sites anywhere day. Learn about the clandestine wartime pre-Christian and Christian burial. Treasure between 400 and 200BC. Step back in time as in Europe. Follow the Viking trail, visit the operation which became known as the was excavated from the site in 1958 including you explore replica houses based on actual Skidbladner (replica Gokstad ship), and the 'Shetland Bus'. Don't miss the Scalloway castle bowls, weapons and jewellery – replicas of the structures found on the site. Viking Longhouse reconstruction. built in 1600 by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney. silver can be seen in the Shetland Museum. T: 01595 693 956 T: 01595 693 956 T: 01595 880 734 www.shetland-heritage.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.shetlandamenity.org www.shetlandamenity.org www.scallowaymuseum.org Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction. For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected].
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