Segment: Orkneys Stone Age
Episode: Into the Midnight Sun Ep 4
Air Date: 3rd November 2019
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

Around 50 miles from the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands have a fascinating history.

• Orkney is made up of around 70 islands – only 16 are inhabited.
• This is the home to the highest concentration of Neolithic sites in all of Europe, including the Ring of Brodgar, a ring of stones that predate the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge. 27 of the 60 stones placed still stand today.
• The tour offered by Viking gives an insight into the ancient history of the region, with the well-preserved settlement of Skara Brae. This is one of Europe’s most complete Neolithic villages, called the ‘Scottish Pompeii’, as it was hidden below sand dunes until a blew them away.
• The 17th Century Skaill House is the finest mansion in Orkney. Built by Bishop George Graham in 1620, all 12 of its lairds have been related during its 400-year history, with the house featuring memorabilia from each generation.
• The extreme weather on the Scapa Flow stops any trees from growing, but wildflowers bloom in abundance in the late spring and early summer. This is a popular hiking destination.
• The peaty soil and barley from the area supplies 2 distilleries creating some of Scotland’s best whiskey.