Skara Brae: Orkney Island's Window to Neolithic Secrets

On the breezy coasts of Orkney Island, Skara Brae stands, showcasing the brilliance and tenacity of ancient folks. Often dubbed the "Scottish Pompeii," this age-old hamlet provides a unique peek into the Neolithic era, sharing tales that time hasn't erased. Predating both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, its pristine state has granted it such acclaim.

In 1850's winter, a mighty tempest unveiled an old village by sweeping away the sand at Skaill bay. William Watt of Skaill, the region's laird, started the first digs, exposing stone edifices that would soon rank among Western Europe's finest preserved Neolithic sites. 

After the initial discovery, four houses were unearthed, but the excavation was halted in 1868. The site lay untouched until 1913 when it was unfortunately raided by individuals who removed an unspecified number of artifacts. A storm in 1924 further damaged one of the houses, prompting the decision to safeguard Skara Brae and conduct thorough investigations. 

The title "Skara Brae" likely stems from names like Skerrabra or Styerrabrae, pointing to the hillock of its discovery. Years of research have woven the captivating narrative of Skara Brae's first settlers.

Skara Brae thrived on unity and endurance. Single-chambered stone abodes, centered around warm hearths, nestled within mounds to shield from Orkney's biting cold. These homes, embedded in the earth amidst ancient household refuse mounds called middens, offered extra fortification and warmth. 

The inhabitants primarily farmed, cultivating barley and wheat, and raising livestock like cattle and sheep. Their diet was enriched with wild plants, fish, and shellfish. Delicate stone instruments, ornaments of animal teeth, and ceramics reveal their daily life, rituals, and trade. Skilled in craftsmanship, they made tools and decorative items from stone, bone, and wood. Skara Brae's people also crafted and used grooved ware, a unique pottery style from northern Scotland.

The village's design showcases Neolithic brilliance. Stone homes, linked by sheltered paths, boasted inbuilt stone furnishings like beds, dressers, and benches. Each house had a central hearth, with beds set into the walls on both sides and a stone dresser directly opposite the entrance. 

The setup paints a picture of a tight community, with neighbors living closely, pooling resources and duties. These homes were built into mounds of pre-existing rubbish, known as "midden," which provided insulation. Seven homes share a common furniture design, perhaps hinting at societal traditions.

From intricate stone spheres to fine fish hooks, Skara Brae's relics bring the Neolithic era to life. A standout discovery is a carved stone piece, perhaps an early art form or ritual item. Symbols here, sometimes dubbed "runic inscriptions", spark varied interpretations. Red ochre chunks hint at possible body art practices. These age-old treasures, safeguarded in sand, bridge us to Skara Brae's people.

Why Skara Brae was suddenly left is still debated. Some think it's due to climate shifts, others suggest outside dangers or societal changes. Around 2500 BC, with the weather turning colder and damper, the village might've been deserted. Its mysterious stone relics and items keep scholars intrigued and history lovers captivated.

Skara Brae mirrors places like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Despite distance and eras apart, both highlight early human skills. Their stone-building ways and community setups suggest maybe shared traditions or growth. Sites like Knap of Howar and Rinyo on Rousay also unveil Orkney's wider Neolithic scene.

Skara Brae is a standout Neolithic site, but it's part of a bigger Orkney story. Knap of Howar and Rinyo on Rousay give more views into the Neolithic world, showing different designs and ways of life. Seeing all these sites together gives a clear look at Neolithic life on the Orkney islands.

Today, Historic Environment Scotland watches over Skara Brae, guarding it for the future. They fight erosion and climate change effects, while also teaching visitors about this historic treasure. In 2019, a study showed Skara Brae's risks from rising seas and more rain due to climate change.

Skara Brae welcomes visitors on Orkney's west coast. There are guided walks, hands-on displays, and an info center. Walking among the old stone homes, you'll feel deeply tied to our shared past. It's part of "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney", a UNESCO site with Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.

For visitors looking for the ideal place to stay while exploring this historical marvel, The Stromness Hotel is a top choice among Orkney hotels. Conveniently located, it offers guests easy access to Skara Brae and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration.

Skara Brae stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a village frozen in time, offering insights into our ancient past. As we continue to unravel its mysteries, it serves as a poignant reminder of our shared history and the enduring power of human ingenuity.