Settlements at Skaill, Deerness, Orkney

This study documents excavations by Peter Gelling of Prehistoric, Pictish, Viking and later remains at Skaill from 1963-1981. The earliest evidence of occupation was provided by ard-marks cut into the subsoil, which relate to cultivation in the Early-Middle Bronze Age. Two stone-built structures were also found, dating to the Late Bronze Age. Iron Age occupation centred on a substantial round house with adjoining structures. Continuity of occupation into the 7th/8th centuries was suggested by a handful of artefacts from both this and the Late Bronze Age settlement. Settlement of the Norse period was found at a third location, where a sequence of five superimposed buildings were uncovered and substantial remains of a medieval building overlay the Norse remains on another site.