The Village of Skara Brae

Skara Brae at the shore of the Bay of Skaill in Orkney's West Mainland, is virtually unique. This remarkably well preserved village, which is 5000 years old , is one of very few archaeological sites where it is actually possible to imagine the life style of the inhabitants. For millennia it was hidden under dunes, until a sandstorm in 1850 revealed its existence. The furniture was intact: box beds, stone seats, dressers and cupboards. Drains ran below some of the alcoves indicating indoor lavatories. "Photograph courtesy of the Orkney Tourist Board"