Kirkwall

The Orkney Islands are ten miles to the north of Scotland and are home to archaeological treasures.  Skara Brae is a Neolithic settlement dating back at least 5,000 years.  Homes in these “neighborhoods” possessed flagstone walls, central heating and even a sewer system.  Some of the homes were the victims of shore erosion but many remain.  While the roofs of most are now missing a replica of a complete structure is on the site so visitors can get a sense of the size and feel of the interior.

The Ring of Brodgar is similar in construction to its more famous cousin, Stonehenge.  Archaeologists believe the original ring consisted of at least 60 stones in a circle surrounded by a large trench carved into solid rock. Today the trench is mostly filled with soil and heather.  About 30 of the original stones remain. 

Maes Howe is another Neolithic site.  It is a vault measuring about 115 feet in diameter and its peak is 23 feet high.  Interior pictures are not permitted, but on December 21^st at about 3PM each year the sun is lined up to shine through the main doorway across the interior chamber to a sacred tomb opposite the door.

St. Magnus Cathedral belongs to the people of Orkney.  It can be used for any public purpose including concerts, but it is also used for services.  Construction dates back to 1137.  There are unusual tombstones along the Cathedral wall that seem to mock death.

As always the lands around the cities and villages are rolling hills populated with sheep and cattle.  Sheering season is nearly over so the lambs look a bit naked at the moment.  Soils are good for growing grains the livestock enjoy eating.  Orkney boasts that their cows produce exceptional cream and therefore delicious ice cream.  Jan and I sampled it once again to verify their claims.

I will pose for pictures and make cream for your confections

Tomorrow we port at Edinburg.  It’s a tender port meaning small craft run us from the cruise ship to shore.  Careful readers may wonder why we didn’t visit the Tattoo at this port stop instead of from our previous one.  It is too difficult logistically for the ship to handle upwards of 1,000 passengers that need to be tendered back to the ship all at once.  Also, the ship leaves Edinburg at 5PM and the Tattoo starts at 9PM.