Uncovering the mysterious past of Scotland’s ancient settlements is a journey into history. Duncansby Head Lighthouse, located at the remote northeastern tip of mainland Britain, stands like a silent sentinel, guarding the secrets of the nearby Orkney Islands. More than 70 islands, a mosaic of ancient life, each with its own story to tell. Home to a population of 22,000, Mainland Orkney holds the key to understanding the dawn of the Neolithic Age, when settlers arrived more than 6,000 years ago. Skara Brae, often called Scotland’s Pompeii, is a 5,000-year-old settlement that reveals a snapshot of ancient life. Excavated by the force of nature in 1850, it revealed houses with a common layout – cupboards, wardrobes and stone fireplaces nestled in spacious, single rooms.
These structures provide a glimpse of gatherings around hearths during Orkney’s long, dark winters. Further east of the island, the Broch of Gurness, dated around 500 BC, tells another chapter of this ancient story. Centered around a towering stone tower, this settlement may have been home to about 40 families, perhaps the main clan of the region. As we peel back the layers of history, the mysteries of these ancient settlements are gradually revealed, challenging our understanding of the past.
