June 21: Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands are as Norwegian as they are Scottish. There are 70 islands; 17 occupied. Only becoming Scottish after they were needed for dowry. They are parallel to Alaska so quite windy and chilly, but also as beautiful as the rest of the area we have toured. They were a critical location during WWII to the Allies.
Skaill House-Built by Bishop George Graham in 1620. Located near the Skara Brae.
1850 Copeland Spade China in Dining Room
Scottish Uniform
Tiger Rug in Sitting Room
John Rae's House-arctic explorer, first explorer to find the NW passage
Old Stone Farmhouse
Germans held this part of the Orkney Islands in WWI. When they knew that they were retreating, they blew up their ships--7 ironclads still in the Loch.
Peat on the Moors used for Scotch Whiskey-making
Bog Cotton Flowers
After tour, walked into Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands
St. Magnus Cathedral
Interior of St. Magnus Cathedral, built in 1137 from local sandstone.
Ancient tombstone in Cathedral
John Rae's tomb in the Cathedral
Bishop Palace-1137
Earl's Palace 1140s
Orkney Island Flag
Wind Turbines are frequent
The winds were around 50 mph
For the first time even Allen is wearing a jacket
Individual homes had wind turbines. They can sell to the grid any energy not used.
Skera Brae, Oldest Complete Neolithic Town-5000 years old, 3100 BC, was uncovered after a huge storm in 1850.
Found that blue clay was placed under the floor. They also had a stream running through each home with a hole over it-first indoor toilets.
Workshop rather than home. A type of flint, ckert, was found. It was used for certain weapons, knives.
Ring of Brogar-older than Stonehenge by 600 years.
Form of calendar-aligned with moon and sun. Perfect day to view (summer solstice)
The ring or ditch is cut-out stone and the rocks were sandstone dragged from nearby hills. Originally 60 stones.
Skaill House-Built by Bishop George Graham in 1620. Located near the Skara Brae.
1850 Copeland Spade China in Dining Room
Scottish Uniform
Tiger Rug in Sitting Room
John Rae's House-arctic explorer, first explorer to find the NW passage
Old Stone Farmhouse
Germans held this part of the Orkney Islands in WWI. When they knew that they were retreating, they blew up their ships--7 ironclads still in the Loch.
Peat on the Moors used for Scotch Whiskey-making
Bog Cotton Flowers
After tour, walked into Kirkwall, capital of the Orkney Islands
St. Magnus Cathedral
Interior of St. Magnus Cathedral, built in 1137 from local sandstone.
Ancient tombstone in Cathedral
John Rae's tomb in the Cathedral
Water Gate-1137
Bishop Palace-1137
Earl's Palace 1140s
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