Faroe Islands: Mountains, Fjords & Vikings
The Faroes lie halfway between Scotland and Iceland, and were colonised by Viking Norse in the 9th century. It is a luxuriantly green archipelago with few trees, and many of its modern buildings are roofed in the traditional grass sod for insulation. Its original Old Norse language has been retained to such an extent that the Faroese can still read their own and Icelandic Medieval texts. #FaroeIslands #FaeroeIslands #Vikings #Tórshavn
Orkney Isles - Skara Brae: Stone Age flushing toilets
Skara Brae is the best preserved Stone Age village in Northern Europe, yet it looks very much as any home does now with its beds, kitchen area, "dresser" shelving, all surrounding a central fire square. And all made from beach cobbles or split sandstone some 4-5,000 years ago. #Orkney #Neolithic #StoneAge #SkaraBrae
Orkney Isles - Prehistory at its most awesome.
The Orkney Isles lie off the north coast of Scotland - just about as far from the seat of power as you can get. But it wasn't always this way. Orkney rivalled Stonehenge in importance, and animals from the islands have been found in the archaeological stratas of that world renowned site. Think of the logistics: prehistoric people using skin boats could travel hundreds of miles for important meetings on designated days. #OrkneyIsles #Stonehenge #RingofBrodgar #standingstones