Orkney

Wide skies and the ever-present ocean. Despite the stark landscape there is such a heart-centred feeling here, and a rich abundance of ancient sites.

Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is at the heart of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. I have visited here many times, the most memorable being one time in March, in snowstorms and a bitter arctic wind.

Stones of Stenness

Just across the isthmus from the Ring of Brodgar, the standing stones of Stenness have a mysterious presence, although, in my experience, it is a very comfortable place to be

St. Magnus, Kirkwall

St. Magnus is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful buildings in Scotland. There is an amazing presence here, a real power.

Maes Howe

Maes Howe rises from the Harray landscape, visible for miles around. It is generally considered to be the finest Neolithic chambered cairn in Northern Europe

Tomb of the Eagles

A chambered cairn near Isbister, Orkney, reached after a dramatic mile long walk along the cliffs.

Cuween

Cuween chambered cairn, cut into the rock of Cuween hill, is an eerie place reached after a steep climb, with an impressive high vaulted ceiling.

Skara Brae

A Neolithic village discovered after storms eroded the beach dunes at Skaill bay in 1850.