I had been discussing all these Tales of Skaill with friend Howie (Firth), who told me that….
“The place name Skaill is associated with old sites from the Norse period – usually associated with the hall of a possible Norse chieftain – and looking at the bay itself, it is such an ideal place for anyone to have their home, with good land round about and good access to the sea.”
I’ve long had that idea in regard to Skara Brae and surrounding area. It’s now recognized that the sea was probably a bit farther away, and that it has ‘broken through’ since the Neolithic, but still, what a place to live.
Skara Brae (F Grahame)
The sea not too far away for fishing, and shellfish and kelp stems for burning, and drift wood for building, and even useful bones washed up and a good supply of nice, easily spliced stone, and, once the sea had ‘broken through’, a sheltered bay to fish in, rather than the open sea.
Also, inland waters for freshwater fish, and fresh water, and good land for growing things. There have been people in the area since at least the Neolithic – Andrew Appleby’s book ‘Skara’ creates a vivid picture of how life there might have been, then – so, where are the living places of the in-between people?
There are some Norse remains already discovered. There was a Viking hoard found, in the 19th Century – the Skaill Hoard, found near Sandwick Church. I’m not so sure about actual remains of dwelling places – I think there have been more recent excavations near Skaill Bay, this is a vague idea which is lurking at the back of my mind, and I’m not entirely sure about it! I must admit, I don’t pay a lot of attention to the Viking sites – I don’t like the Vikings! I don’t like their attitude and approach to life and their fellow beings. So, I’m afraid I don’t pay as much attention as I should, to Viking sites.
I think there is evidence of Norse settlement in the area, and, as Howie suggests, maybe some of that settlement was in the area of what is now Skaill House. It makes sense – the prime site in the area, over a long stretch of time.
And to finish off my Tales of Skaill…..
There was an old man at Skaill Bay
Who dug in the sand by the brae
Where he found some old stones
And some rotten old bones
Now the tourists all flock there today!
No dis-respect to Mr. Childes or Mr. Watt!
Bernie Bell is a regular contributor to The Orkney News check out some of her other stories and walks.
Editor’s Comment: A grave was found when they were working at the car park at St Peter’s Kirk, Bay of Skaill. It contained a man over 6 ft tall. There was a child also in the grave. This was dated to the Norse times.