Beautiful Scottish isle was home to Neolithic villages older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids

Daily Record

16-05-2025

Orkney's stunning islands were home to advanced Neolithic communities who built monuments older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids
The islands of Orkney off the northern coast of Scotland are known for their striking natural beauty, but they also hold proof of a remarkable ancient past. This area was home to developed Neolithic communities thousands of years ago, creating settlements and monuments that were built even before world-famous sites like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza existed.
Orkney is home to a collection of Stone Age sites that are recognised internationally. Together, these form a UNESCO World Heritage site called the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney."
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These locations give us significant insight into the lives and society of people who lived in northern Scotland around 5,000 years ago. The condition and detail of these structures are particularly impressive.
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One of the most important sites is the village of Skara Brae, situated by the Bay of Skaill. Information about Orkney's Neolithic past indicates that Skara Brae was built around 3500 BCE.
This timeline confirms that the stone-built houses and connecting passages of Skara Brae were constructed earlier than Stonehenge, which was started later, and long before the Pyramids of Giza, built primarily between 2580 and 2560 BCE.
Skara Brae is widely considered Northern Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village, offering a clear view of the homes, hearths, and even some internal features used by its ancient residents.
Beyond the village, Orkney features notable ceremonial and burial sites from the same period. The Ring of Brodgar is a large stone circle that remains standing today, showing the collective efforts and potential spiritual practices of the people. Some of the stones in this circle are over five metres tall.
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Nearby is another ancient stone circle, the Stones of Stenness. Research suggests these stones were put in place as early as 3300 BCE.
Another key structure is Maeshowe, a Chambered Cairn built about 5,000 years ago. It is recognised as the finest chambered tomb of its kind in Western Europe.
Its construction includes precise features, such as a passage that aligns with the setting sun during the winter solstice, demonstrating the building skills and likely astronomical understanding of its builders.
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The number and scale of these Neolithic structures in Orkney have led experts to suggest the area may have served as an important place for ancient gatherings or possibly pilgrimages. This could mean Orkney held a similar significance in its time to sites like Stonehenge.
While the Neolithic sites are the oldest and form the core of Orkney's ancient fame, the islands' history spans many different periods.
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Later structures also dot the landscape, showing centuries of subsequent human activity. For instance, the Broch of Gurness, located on a headland, is an important Iron Age site.
This fortified tower, dating back about 2200 years, is a strong example of the defensive structures used by island communities in that era.
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Moving forward in time, Orkney also holds ruins from the Viking era and later periods. On the Brough of Birsay, an island accessible on foot at low tide, stand extensive Viking ruins, including the remains of longhouses and a church from the 12th century.
On the mainland, the ruins of the Earl's Palace, built in 1606 by Patrick Stewart, represent a later stage in the islands' history.
Travelling to Orkney is possible by ferry or air. Ferries operate from the Scottish mainland to ports in Kirkwall and Stromness. Kirkwall also has an airport served by Loganair flights from various cities across the UK.
Once on the islands, visitors can get around by hiring a car or renting a bike from local providers in Kirkwall or Stromness. Local bus services are also available.