Newsletter 4

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Newsletter 4 ort Explorer P © 2010 maps.com KIRKWALL SCOTLAND he Orkney archipelago lies about 20 miles Tto the north of the Scottish mainland. The two are separated by the turbulent waters of the Pentland Firth, the area where the North Sea and the Atlantic meet. There are, in all, about 70 islands, 28 of which are inhabited. The largest of the islands is the Mainland upon which is situ- ated Kirkwall, the administrative center. Kirkwall’s strategic position in the heart of the is- lands has established the community as a cross- roads for commerce, communications and ser- vices. Approximately 20,000 people live in the Orkney with the majority living in the two main towns of Kirkwall and Stromness. The climate is mild, warmed by the Gulf Stream currents and the scenery is stunning. This com- HISTORY bined with the rich archaeological treasures of Kirkwall’s history is a maritime history. At the end of the first millennium, the Mainland attracts visitors from all over the Kirkwall was at the center of a Norse trading route between Scandinavia world to Kirwall, the gateway to Orkney. and Iceland. The Viking longboats took on provisions and traded in the settlement making Kirkwall more Scandinavian than Scottish during its early years. In fact, the name Kirwall is loosely derived from an old Norse name “Kirkjuvagr,” which means Church Bay. A church was founded to Saint Olaf in the bay in the early 11th century. In 1468 Orkney came under the rule of James III of Scotland. By the mid 15th century Kirkwall was the administrative center for the northern islands. During the 1800’s work began on a series of harbor developments which made the port more accessible to larger and faster ships. Improvements have continued over the years making Kirkwall one of the busiest deep water ports in the region. The city is a major transportation hub for the fast ferries connecting the northern islands and the mainland. Most visitors travel to Kirwall, for the beautiful scenery, the amazing archaeological sites, to rediscover their family heritage and to enjoy the islands famous hospitality. KIRKWALL PLACES OF INTEREST Scapa Flow has served as a natural harbor since the days when Viking long-ships first called upon Orkney waters. Mercat Cross dates from 1621 and was a central place of communications for the community. The Cross was used to Ringed by a necklace of islands, this great expanse of almost make verbal contracts binding in an age when it was difficult landlocked sea provided a safe anchorage for the Royal Navy to prepare written agreements. Public proclamations were through both world wars. The Flow was the scene of momen- made at the Cross and it was also used as a pillory. tous happenings during the First World War when the Ger- man Fleet consisting of 74 battleships, cruisers and destroy- St. Magnus Cathedral - Norse ers was interned in Scapa Flow. Rather than surrendering his Earl Rognvald Kolson commenced fleet, Admiral Van Reuter scuttled the ships. construction on the cathedral in 1137 in memory of his uncle Saint Lyness Military Base was built in 1917 as part of the Royal Magnus. Today, the magnificent Navy’s refueling facility for the British Grand Fleet stationed in Viking structure dominates the the historic waters of Scapa Flow. The community grew and skyline for many miles and is one by 1940 there were over 12,000 military and civilian person- of the finest and best preserved medieval cathedrals in Scot- nel at Lyness. The base even has its own services newspaper land. named the ‘Hoy Poly’, full of comments about life at Lyness. The base is located on the Island of Hoy where the Visitor Bishop’s Palace dates to the 12th century and was construct- Centre and Naval Museum is dedicated to the men and wom- ed to originally provide a private residence for Bishop William en who served here during two World Wars. the Old, which was close to the Cathedral. The structure was built to conform to the plan of a Royal Norwegian Palace. Marwick Head rises from the sea with sheer stark cliffs. Lo- Bishop Robert Reid rebuilt the Palace in the 16th century. cated on the Northwest corner of the Mainland, this area is the nesting ground for nearly a million seabirds. Earl’s Palace was built in 1600 by Earl Patrick Stewart. The palace is one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Scotland. The most interesting features are the carved decoration, the oriel windows and the great hall in which is one of the noblest state rooms of any castle in the kingdom. The Loons area is the best remaining marshland in Orkney The Orkney Museum is situated in the Tankerness House and has been purchased by the Royal Society for the Protec- and Gardens which is considered one of Scotland’s finest tions of Birds. The Loons may become completely flooded townhouses. The museum offers a dynamic introduction to in winter and offer a safe haven to a variety of birdlife. Eight the island’s rich archaeology heritage. species of ducks breed on The Loons included widgeon and Beyond Kirkwall pintail. There are also, lapwing, redshank, and oystercatchers nested here. In addition there are substantial colonies of both Skara Brae is a prehistoric village dating from the Stone Age. black headed and common gulls and arctic terns. The village is in a remarkable state of preservation and is one of a very few archaeological sites where it is actually possible Birsa Moors is a nature reserve made of moorland domi- to imagine life-styles of the inhabitants. Radiocarbon dating nated by heather. Marsh and bogs also comprise the large suggests the site was occupied from before 3100 BC to ap- region, which supports a great deal of wildlife including birds proximately 2600 BC. of prey. is linked to the mainland by a mile of causeway. Skaill House is the finest mansion in Orkney, a family home Lamb Holm steeped 5,000 years of history. The house stands on the Situated on the island is the Italian Chapel. Built by Italian dunes between Loch of Skaill and the Atlantic Ocean, adja- prisoners, the chapel has delicate wrought iron tracery, and cent to Skara Brae. Its striking architecture spans four centu- frescos. The chapel is now one of the most visited monuments ries. The house still contains memorabilia reflecting the previ- in Orkney and is a fitting memorial to those lost in wartime. ous owner’s ecclesiastic, mercantile, agricultural and military Highland Park Distillery is the most northern Scotch whisky exploits. distillery in the world. Highland Park produces a 12-year old single malt whisky that comes from the local peat beds, which Ring of Brodgar is one of the best examples of stone circles have absorbed the salt spray for centuries and which impart anywhere. This great Henge mon- a rooty, heathery quality to the whisky. The Distillery is one of ument is a perfect stone circle, Orkney’s most popular attractions. which retains 27 of its original 60 stones and was erected with math- ematical precision some 5,000 years ago. Shore EXCUrsions quired at public telephones to dial the access numbers listed To make the most of your visit to Kirkwall and surrounding below. areas we suggest you take one of the organized Shore Ex- AT&T: 0.800.89.0011 cursions. For Information concerning tour content and pric- MCI: 0.800.279.5088 ing, consult azamaraclubcruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, guests are ad- Transportation vised to take with them only the items they need and to secure Limited taxi services are available at the pier. Fares should any valuables. be negotiated prior to departing the pier. Local CUstoms Local TOUrist Office Bargaining: Shop prices in the United Kingdom are fixed. The Orkney Tourist Information Center is located at 6 Broad Tipping: Where a service charge is not included in a restau- Street, Kirkwall, near the Town Hall and Orkney Museum. rant bill, 10 – 15% is a good guideline. Local CUisine and Drink Specialties Scottish fare features plenty of local game and roasted meats. Haggis is perhaps one of the best known Scottish dishes. Fresh seafood is popular, not to mention Scottish Salmon. Shortbread and Oatcakes are among the traditional Scottish recipes and well worth a try. Scotland is famous for it high quality malt whiskeys. There is also a wide selection of beers and ales to choose from. Bottled water is recommended. ShoppinG The best shopping in Kirkwall is to be found in the narrow and bustling Bridge and Albert Streets. The architecture alone of these two main thoroughfares is worth exploring. Shopping hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. There may be some tourist-oriented shops that stay open later. Many shops also are open on Sunday. Items of interest are: Nautical items, woolens, tartans, tweeds, Celtic jewelry, pottery, hand carved wooden items and Scottish sou- venirs. Value Added Tax (VAT), is added to most purchases. Visitors who spend over a certain amount may be entitled to re-claim some or all of the tax paid, however, regulations and condi- tions governing the refund of VAT are subject to change and RCCL cannot guarantee the cooperation of local authorities. Local CUrrency The unit of currency in Britain is the Pound Sterling. There are 100 pennies (pence) to the Pound. Notes are available in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Most major credit cards are accepted at shops, hotels and restaurants.
Recommended publications
  • Excavations of a Medieval Cemetery at Skaill House, and a Cist in the Bay of Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney
    Proc Soc Antic/ Scot, 129 (1999), 753-777 Excavation medievaa f so l cemeter t Skailya l Housed an , a cist in the Bay of Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney Heather F James* with contribution LorimeH D RobertJ y sb r& s ABSTRACT A medieval cemetery structuraland remains were discovered during drainage works Skaillat House, Sandwick, Orkney. Several skeletons were salvaged Orkneythe by Islands Archaeologist laterand excavations by GUARD revealed further cisted burials. These have been radiocarbon dated to between llth14th the Skaillof and upper centuries.the Bay cisteda half the of At burialwas salvaged been afterhad it exposed effects the coastalof by erosion. radiocarbonA date fromthe bone shows that burialthe belongs sevenththe to century StructuralAD. elementspre-dating cistthe were also eroding seenthe in cliff-face, theseand were probably prehistoric. excavationThe and publication were funded Historicby Scotland. INTRODUCTION In October 1996, while monitoring the digging of a new drainage and waste water disposal system around Skaill House, Sandwick, Orkney (NGR: HY 2346 1860), Raymond Lamb, Orkney Islands Archaeologist s e discoveralerteth wa , o t d f humao y n remains withi e drainagnth e construction trench. Assisted by Julie Gibson, Historic Scotland Field Warden, he undertook salvage excavation skeletone th f so s whic beed hha n disturbed pipe Th .e trenc expandes hwa n di orde excavato rt removd ean buriae eon l whose skul withiy lla nstona e box. recognizes wa t I d tha remaine tth s were unforesee proposale th drainag e y nth b r sfo e works werd an e potentially importan understandine th o t t Skaillf archaeologo e y th n f ,Ba a go e th f yo area ric prehistorin hi medievad can l remains, includin renownee gth d prehistoric villag Skarf eo a Brae Raymons .A d Lamb' t havs resourceoffice no eth d edi completo st excavationse eth , Historic Scotland agree mako dt e funds availabl investigatioe th r efo recordind nan furthef go r skeletons which were likel encounterede b yo t Novembern I .
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  • Late Norse High-Status Sites Around the Bay of Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney
    Late Norse high-status sites around the Bay of Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney James M. Irvine THE immediate hinterland of the Bay of Skaill in Orkney’s west Mainland is best known for the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, but it has a wealth of other early settlement and funerary sites, including at least two Iron Age brochs, while its Norse burial sites and ubiquitous place-names testify to its occupation during this period as well. Alas, the area was not mentioned in ‘Orkneyinga Saga’, and until recently no Norse settlement sites had been found, nor had much local history been published. However, there is now a growing corpus of multi-disciplinary research, notably two theses by Sarah Jane Gibbon née Grieve (1999, 2006), my own work on the Breckness estate (Irvine 2009a), and the major, on-going Birsay-Skaill Landscape Archaeology Project directed by David Griffiths of Oxford University (2005, 2006, 2011), coupled with the stimulus of the Research Agenda of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site (Historic Scotland 2008). This prompts consideration of when and why four high-status sites in this area, shown in Figure 1 – St. Peter’s Kirk, the Castle of Snusgar, Stove, and Skaill House – may have developed and interacted during the late Norse period.1 The objective of this paper is not to pre-empt the important archaeological findings of Griffiths and his colleagues, but to introduce some hypotheses that will hopefully help stimulate further historical research and discussion on this important area and period. St. Peter’s Kirk This building has been restored by the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust and its modern history recorded (Irvine 2003), but little is known of the early history of the site, and no archaeological work has been undertaken.
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  • Where Is Skara Brae ? the Skara Brae Is Located About 31 Km Northwest of Kirkwall, in the Archipelago of the Orkney Islands, Scotland
    Skara Brae in Scotland An ancient dwelling at the prehistoric village of Skara Brae The Prehistoric village of Skara Brae is situated near the white sand beach of the Bay of Skaill. In the winter of 1850, a storm revealed the Europe's best-preserved ruins of the Neolithic village that portray the life of the people about 5,000 years ago. The monuments are even older than the Stonehenge and the Pyramids. The people in the Neolithic age were masters in construction. The sunken houses could be reached by passing through a door (wooden or stone slab), secured with a wood or whalebone bar. It also provided privacy to the inhabitants. The ancient homes featured stone beds, dressers, and seats. For storage, the arrangement was done behind the walls of the House Number 5. There was also a secured space behind the hair dresser. The more accessible storage was used to store the everyday use items such as pottery, etc. These houses were connected via narrow, covered lanes. There is a building in the settlement, which can't be called a house, as it is deprived of the beds and a dresser. Marked as Structure 8, this building, probably, was used as a workshop for making stone tools or possibly for pottery. During the winters, due to the harsh weather, the cafe near the village doesn't open frequently. You may buy souvenirs from the gift shop that sells local items. The Skara Brae has an informative visitor center that shares valuable information via touch screen presentations, and investigatory quizzes for both the children and adults.
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  • Isbn 1 903570 21 2
    ISBN 1 903570 21 2 Sources of further information Information about individual sites in Orkney (and Enquires about this Management Plan and how World anywhere else in Scotland): Heritage status affects monuments in Orkney should be http://www.rcahms.gov.uk directed to Dr Sally Foster (see below). http://www.scran.ac.uk For information on general World Heritage issues in Information about Historic Scotland: Scotland contact Malcolm Bangor-Jones of Historic http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Scotland. Tel: 0131 668 8810. E-mail: [email protected] The local Sites and Monuments Record, maintained by the Orkney Archaeological Trust, is another source of Nomination of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney for inclusion information about individual sites and for advice on in the World Heritage List is available from Historic unscheduled monuments in general. Scotland (£10 plus p&p). For all Historic Scotland publications: Historic Scotland’s booklet, The Ancient Monuments of Telephone: 0131 668 8752. Orkney (£4.95, Historic Scotland) provides an accessi- E-mail: [email protected] ble introduction to the main archaeological visitor attractions on Orkney, including the WHS. A number of web sites can be accessed: See also Anna Ritchie’s Prehistoric Orkney and Patrick Ashmore’s Neolithic and Bronze Age Scotland Information about the WHS: (£15.99, Batsford/Historic Scotland). Official Souvenir http://www.unesco.org/whc/sites/514.htm Colour Guides exist for Maes Howe and Skara Brae (£2.50 each). Information on the World
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  • Ms Olly Owen
    AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND WATCHING BRIEF AT VOYDALE, ORKNEY. GUARD 437 An Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief for Historic Scotland carried out by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division. Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary 5 2.0 Introduction 5 3.0 Archaeological Background 6 4.0 Aims and Objectives 7 5.0 Methodology 9 6.0 Results 10 6.1 Trial Trenching (January 1997) 10 6.2 Trial Trenching (February 1997) 16 6.3 Watching Brief (March 1997) 21 7.0 Conclusions 25 7.1 Discussion 25 7.2 Recommendations 28 8.0 Post Excavation Research Design 29 9.0 Acknowledgements 30 10.0 Bibliography 31 AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND WATCHING BRIEF AT VOYDALE, ORKNEY. by Paul Duffy and Susan Bain 1.0 Executive Summary Prior to the construction of a new visitors’ centre for Skara Brae, Historic Scotland commissioned GUARD to undertake an archaeological evaluation of all areas likely to be affected by the enabling works. This consisted of an initial phase of trial trenching carried out in January and February 1997, designed to identify and record any archaeological material present in these areas. Following this, a watching brief was conducted during the enabling works in March 1997. The remains of several stone structures, probably earlier field boundaries, were observed and recorded, as well as a small channel leading from a post-medieval circular stone structure close to the shoreline. 2.0 INTRODUCTION The Bay of Skaill is a small bay on the west coast of the Orkney Mainland (fig 1). The land around it has significant archaeological potential, with a rich variety of archaeological remains recorded over the last three centuries.
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  • Men of Worth Tour 'Inverness & Orkney' 'Inverness & Orkney' Tour 2021
    Men of Worth tour ‘Inverness & Orkney’ Oct 2021 Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle ‘Inverness & Orkney’ Tour 2021 (Blair Castle; Stones of Stenness; Ring of Brodgar; Brough of Birsay; Corrigall Farm Museum; Italian Chapel; Scapa Flow; Scara Brae & Skaill House; Kirkwall - St Magnus Cathedral; Scapa Distillery; Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness; Urquhart Castle Visitor Centre; Culloden Battlefield) 10 Nights: Sat 2 Oct – Mon 11 Oct (Dispersing morning of 12th Oct) The Holiday Inn @ GLA 1 night Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (1 night pre Orkney + 3 nights post Orkney) 4 nights Orkney Hotel, Kirkwall 4 nights The Holiday Inn @ GLA 1 night $2,950 Per/Person (Sharing room, Double or Twin) $3,450 Per/Person (Single) Check or money order only, payable to Minch Music. (No credit card, sorry) Minch Music 8034 Avalos Way, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 USA Includes: 10 nights Dinner, B&B — Coach — Ferries — Activities/Visits — Meal-tips. Excludes: Air Travel — Lunches — Driver-tip — Insurance. Contact: Donnie Macdonald (916) 723-6320 (916) 214-4776 (cell) E-mail: [email protected] www.menofworth.com Proposed Itinerary Day 1 Saturday, 2nd Oct, 2021 Activity As tour members arrive independently at Glasgow Airport, cross the road to the Holiday Inn, and check in under MINCH MUSIC TOUR. (Note: The Holiday Inn, and NOT the Holiday Inn Express) Gather in the bar for a Welcome Drink at 6.00pm, prior to Dinner at 7.00pm. Evening After Dinner, Evening free to relax, and prepare for morning departure. Hotel Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport (D. B.) Day 2 Sunday, 3rd Oct, 2021 Activity Drive north by way of the A-9 road passing Stirling, Perth, Pitlochry en route.
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  • The Heart of Neolithic Orkney in Its Contemporary Contexts: Angela Mcclanahan
    The Heart of Neolithic Orkney in its Contemporary Contexts: A case study in heritage management and community values Angela McClanahan School of Art History and Archaeology The University of Manchester A project grant aided by: Historic Scotland The University of Manchester North American Foundation © Angela J. McClanahan 2004 Contents: List of Illustrations iii Abbreviations and Conventions v Acknowledgements vi 1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………….. 1 Project Background…………………………………………. 1 Aims……………………………………………………………. 4 Objectives…………………………………………………..… 4 Report Structure…………………………………………….. 4 2.0 Project Approach: Theory and Method…………………………….. 6 Approaches to Heritage…………………………………… 9 Trends in visitor and community studies……………….. 9 Specific project description………………………………. 11 Summary……………………………………………………. 12 3.0 Orkney: a geographic, historical and social overview………… 14 The history of archaeological exploration and management in Orkney……………………………… 16 Orkney: perceptions and practices……………………… 17 Heritage, representation and the construction of Orkney………………………….. 20 Conclusions………………………………………………… 25 4.0 Heritage Management: mediating the past…………………….. 27 Conservation………………………………………………. 28 Presentation……………………………………………….. 29 Partnerships and stakeholders………………………….. 31 Conclusions……………………………………………….. 34 5.0 Experiencing the past……………………………………………. 36 The Ring of Brodgar………………………………………. 37 Access……………………………………………………….. 38 Presentation………………………………………………… 41 Place…………………………………………………………. 43 Practices…………………………………………………….. 44 Coach and
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  • Landscape Studies of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site
    COMMISSIONED REPORT Landscape Studies of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Report No. F00LA01A For further information on this report please contact: Laura Campbell or Gail Churchill Scottish Natural Heritage Scottish Natural Heritage 17 Rubislaw Terrace 54–56 Junction Road Aberdeen AB10 1XE Kirkwall KW15 1AW Tel: 01224 642863 Tel: 01856 875302 This report should be quoted as: David Tyldesley and Associates (2001). Landscape Studies of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. F00LA01A This report or any part of it should not be reproduced without the permission of Scottish Natural Heritage which will not be unreasonably withheld. The views expressed by the author(s) of this report should not be taken as the views and policies of Scottish Natural Heritage. © Scottish Natural Heritage 2000. COMMISSIONED REPORT Summary Landscape Studies of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Report No. F00LA01A Background A new World Heritage Site (WHS) known as the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” was designated in 2000, covering several internationally important sites in west Mainland and overlapping with the National Scenic Area (NSA). Considerable development pressure exists, particularly for housing, and there was concern about the impacts this could have on the new designation. Historic Scotland and SNH jointly funded this landscape capacity study to analyse the situation and provide guidance. Aquaculture (fin-fish and shellfish farms) has developed in Orkney since the late 1970s. The landscape and visual impacts of these developments on the seascapes and landscapes of the county can be significant. This part of the study was commissioned to link in with a proposed Orkney Islands Council fish farming framework plan and Scotland-wide guidance being prepared by SNH.
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  • Download Download
    The Archaeology of sand landscapes: looking for an integrated approach David Griffiths University of Oxford Scottish Archaeological Internet Report 48, 2011 www.sair.org.uk CONTENTS List of Illustrations. 12 1 The Archaeology of Sand Landscapes: Looking for an Integrated Approach . 13 2 References. 22 11 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 1. Map: Bay of Skaill, Sandwick Parish, Orkney . 1 2. Magnetometer survey on north side of Skaill Bay, 2003–06. 17 3. Mound of Snusgar: topographic survey model (viewed as from SE). 18 4. Magnetometer survey near Skara Brae, 2003 . 20 1 THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF SAND landscapes: looking FOR AN integrated APPROACH The coastal dune systems and semi-stabilised Dundrum, Co. Down (Collins 192, 199). The style machair of Scotland represent a vast but still largely of the time was to treat archaeological exposures in unquantified archaeological and palaeoenvironmen- sand as discrete sites and to excavate them using tal resource. They are an inherently fragile, unstable standard terrestrial techniques – there being as yet and changing environment and therefore highly little understanding of the effects on archaeologi- susceptible to erosion, providing a significant man- cal material of the mechanisms of post-depositional agement dilemma for curatorial authorities. Few change in this type of environment. The very fact such landscapes, even in the wider context of Britain that erosion and dune deflation provided the and Ireland, have yet been subjected to anything main means of identifying deposits which were like a comprehensive characterisation study, encom- subsequently investigated, means that the associ- passing prospection, sampling and investigation, ated data-capture was severely affected by in situ resulting in well-informed selective preservation or destruction, migration and turbation of deposits.
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  • Orkney Islands and Discover What the Houses Were Like to Live Before Closing • Telephone 01856 751414 A966
    GO EXPLORE From only £19, The Orkney Explorer Pass gives you access to all our attractions – a great value way ORKNEY to explore Scotland’s history. Ask our staff for details, or visit ISLANDS historicenvironment.scot/explorer Explore a breathtaking landscape and discover ON YOUR VISIT rich World Heritage sites • Many of our Orkney sites are • For details about travelling exposed to the elements so around Orkney visit dress appropriately visitorkney.com • Opening times: • For ferry information please Summer (26 Mar to 30 Sept) call Orkney Ferries Ltd on open seven days 9.30am to 01856 872044 5.30pm. Winter (1 Oct to 31 Mar) • Tide times for Birsay available open seven days 10am to 4pm. at all Historic Scotland For details of late night opening staffed sites hours in the summer season and for our Christmas and New Year opening hours, please visit historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place Car Picnic Strong Footwear Parking Area Recommended Bus Display May be closed at lunchtime, Parking on History please call in advance (w) Winter only Gold Green Tourism Toilets Shop Business Award Bicycle Children’s Silver Green Tourism Rack Quiz Available Business Award Visitor Restaurant/ Centre Café VisitScotland Quality Grading Disabled Dogs not Toilets Permitted Accessible by Mobility Scooter Public Transport Available FIND US ON Opening times and admission prices Historic Environment Scotland are correct at time of publication, Discover 1,500 years of history Scottish Charity No. SC045925 but may be liable to change. Skara Brae Maeshowe Broch of Gurness
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  • Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, Buffer Zone Modification Proposal
    Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, Buffer Zone Modification Proposal. January 2013. PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE HEART OF NEOLITHIC ORKNEY WORLD HERITAGE SITE BUFFER ZONE This report has been developed as advised by the UNESCO Operational Guidelines (2012) and details a minor modification to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Buffer Zone. 1. Area of Property Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site as inscribed 15 Ha Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site current Inner Buffer Zone 1490 Ha Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site proposed Buffer Zone 6258 Ha Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site proposed Sensitive Area 45267 Ha 2. Description of Amended Buffer Zone The monuments on the Brodgar and Stenness peninsulas were deliberately situated within a vast topographic bowl formed by a series of visually interconnecting ridgelines stretching from Hoy to Greeny Hill and back. They are also visually linked to other contemporary and later monuments around the lochs. They thus form a fundamental part of a wider, highly complex archaeological landscape which stretches over much of Orkney. The current open, and comparatively undeveloped, landscape around the monuments allows an understanding of the apparently formal connections between the monuments and their natural settings. The wealth of contemporary burial and occupation sites in the surrounding area constitute an exceptional relict cultural landscape that supports the value of the main sites. There follows a description of the boundaries of the two parts of the proposed Buffer Zone: Brodgar-Stenness Area (Map 6) The proposed Buffer Zone encompasses the immediate setting of the Brodgar-Stenness monuments, and includes the area within which it is considered that there could be potential impact from individual buildings of any size, structures, roads or other features or any alterations to them.
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  • New Viking Discoveries in Orkney
    ORKNEY Viking longhouse Settlement under the At the Bay of Skaill, on Orkney’s West Mainland, sand a massive Norse long- house lay lost to memory, beneath a deep blanket new Viking of windblown sand – until it was re-discovered and excavated by Oxford ABOVE caption to go in discoveries University archaeologists. here over a few lines if possible xxx xxxx xxxx xxx David Griffiths and Jane xxx xxx xxxxx xxxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxxx xxx Harrison report on the xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx in Orkney life and death of a major xxxxxx. xxx xxx xxxxxx. Viking settlement. he Bay of Skaill is best-known as the location of Skara Brae, Griffiths David OTO: OTO: H Orkney’s best-preserved Neolithic P village, and part of the Orkney World Heritage Area. With ABOVE RIGHT Aerial view away by storms, it can also cover up and stifle houses upstanding to their full of the excavations. The them. The landscape around the bay is domi- longhouse lies east-west wall-height and stone furniture intact inside, it nated by wind-blown sand, which is now largely across the main trench Thas rightly claimed its place as Scotland’s most grassed-over to form what, in the Gaelic-speaking with its western end in evocative prehistoric settlement. These ancient the small trench on the Hebrides, is called a machair. In 1989 a prehistoric sandstone flag-built buildings once lay under a right (see plan on p.16). rock-cut cist grave was found under 5m (16ft) of large sandy mound that was opened up by the sand during quarrying in the bay’s hinterland.
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