Skaill House: A 17th-century mansion overlooking Skara Brae

Skaill House overlooks the Neolithic site of Skara Brae and the Bay of Skaill, hinting at a lineage stretching over a thousand years. Built by Bishop George Graham in 1620, the house stands as one of the most complete 17th-century country mansions in Orkney. Its name, Skaill, comes from the Old Norse word for "hall".

Following the execution of Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, for treason in 1615, the lands were given to the Bishop of Orkney. Bishop George Graham constructed a simple manor house in 1620, which became the first part of what is now Skaill House. His son became the laird of the estate, and the property was passed down to succeeding lairds.

Throughout the years, the property has expanded, with the oldest sections drawing from the early 17th century. The house, rendered with harl, boasts parts of the gables with a crow-stepped design. The stableyard includes a brewhouse and harness room, while the dovecote hails from the 18th century. The south wing is partially built on an old, pre-Viking burial ground, thought to be Pictish.

Skaill House was opened to the public in 1997, following six years of restoration work. Today, it can be rented as a holiday home or for receptions and events. With its rich history, Skaill House can't help but recount the tales that have shaped the Orkney Islands for centuries.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons