Skara Brae

Today’s plan was to catch a morning inter-island flight (15 minutes) to Westray, walk about a bit, have a nice lunch, and take the afternoon ferry back to Kirkwall.

The weather put paid to that. Rain. Low cloud. The small islands’ airfields do not have fancy navigational aids. The pilot has to be able to see where she/he is going. 

Plan B was routine sightseeing here on the mainland. Skara Brae. The Brough of Birsay. Neolithic and Norse.

By the time my pre-booked entrance slot at Skara Brae came around, the rain had gone off. It is outdoors and 5 metres from the North Atlantic, so that was a bonus. I visited Skara Brae several years ago, but it was great to see it again. 

It was also interesting to see how they have set things up so as to keep people safe. The pre-booked entrance time is one. I was impressed. It all means increased costs and decreased income, of course. 

Their cafe in the visitor centre remains closed because there is not enough space for distancing, but they have set up a wee coffee cart outside and I took the plunge for an ice cream and espresso to keep my weekend spirits high. Neither got blown away, which amazed me. 

Skara Brae