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A small snapshot of what to see & do

The Broch of Gurness

Explore an icon of Orkney’s rich archaeological heritage. This impressive Iron Age complex is one of the most outstanding examples of a later prehistoric settlement to survive in Scotland, less than 2 miles from the Village of Evie.

  • Marvel at the completeness of Scotland’s best-preserved broch village

  • View Iron Age artefacts on display in the visitor centre on site

  • Explore nearby – Gurness is one of at least 10 brochs that line either shore of Eynhallow Sound

www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/broch-of-gurness/

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Ring of Brodgar

The ancient Ring of Brodgar is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which focuses on various neolithic sites on the Mainland of Orkney.

 

It was built between 2500 BC and 2000 BC, making it the last of the neolithic monuments to have been built in the area.

The Ring of Brodgar stands on a small isthmus with Loch Stenness on one side and Loch Harray on the other.

Just over 13 miles from Evie Village.

The Brough of Birsay

Reach this very special tidal island by causeway to explore Pictish, Norse and medieval remains.

The Norse settled the island 200 years later, in the 9th century, but may have lived peacefully alongside the Picts. It’s still possible to make out the remnants of Norse houses, barns and even a sauna. Later, a small church and monastery were built on Birsay.

  • Enjoy the scenic location – a challenge to get to, a joy to explore

  • Get a unique insight into the peaceful life of the Norse settlers by exploring the remains of their village

  • Marvel at the church of St Peter, a sophisticated building that had a square tower and glazed windows

  • View some important early sculptures and interesting Norse artefacts in the small visitor centre on the island

  • Take a short stroll to the small lighthouse at the crest of the island, above dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean

  • Count the many types of wildflower that grow in the machair (coastal grassland) and see puffins nest on cliffs in the spring.

  • Just over 9 miles from Evie Village, dont forget to check the tidal times before visiting. www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/brough-of-birsay/

Skara Brae

Long before Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids were built, Skara Brae was a thriving village. Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.

First uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae remains a place of discovery today. Visit a replica Neolithic house to see how its full interior might have looked. Then follow the path that overlooks the ancient buildings, imagining what life was like for the farmers, hunters and fishermen who lived here. The prehistoric houses still contain stone ‘dressers’ and box-beds.

Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. 

  • Walk around an extraordinary village – the best-preserved group of prehistoric houses in all of Western Europe

  • Explore the nine surviving Neolithic houses, all but one of which can be viewed from the path

  • View original ‘fitted’ furniture made 5,000 years ago

  • Step inside a complete replica house, to get a fuller picture of village life

  • Visit Skaill House, an impressive 17th century mansion, adjacent to Skara Brae (joint ticket April to October) www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae

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