SKAILL HOUSE

Situated beside Skara Brae in the parish of Sandwick, Skaill House offers a look into Orkney’s historical way of life. The location has been occupied since ancient times — it was the owner of Skaill House and farm who noticed the exposed stone, after the great storm of 1850, which led to the discovery of Skara Brae.

There is evidence of Pictish settlements — a Pictish burial ground lies under the foundations of the house (more about hauntings on page 60), and the word Skaill is derived from the Norse for “Hall,” which suggests the location was important in Norse times too.

It was in 1615, after the execution of Patrick Stewart, second Earl of Orkney (known locally as “Black Patie”) in Edinburgh for treason, that his lands were given over to the Bishop of Orkney. In 1620, Bishop George Graham contracted a manor house that is the central part of what is now Skaill House. The Bishop’s original bed can still be seen at the house today.

In 1997, careful restoration work was completed, and the property opened to the public. It is preserved as the family home it was in the 1950s, with Captain Cook’s dinner set, and Stanley Cursiter paintings hanging on the walls.

Other significant items collected by the Lairds of Skaill adorn the property. Historic Scotland describes Skaill House as the “most complete 17th century country mansion in Orkney.”

To mark the 400th anniversary of the construction of the mansion, Skaill House Gin was launched.

It is a seaweed-based gin produced in Orkney, using seaweed harvested from around the southern shores, and combined with a range of exotic botanicals to produce a gin that is both savoury and sweet-tasting.

The use of seaweed is a nod to the house’s past commercial practices, and the botanicals are inspired by a gardener’s diary, dated to the early 1800s, which lists the many wonderful and exotic fruits and vegetables grown in the kitchen garden. Exclusive to Orkney, this gin can’t be purchased anywhere else.

Another highlight occurs in the summer months, with a spectacular falconry display showing off a variety of hawks, falcons and owls.

Skaill House is a must-see attraction, right next to the beach and Skara Brae — make sure you stop by on your West Mainland adventure.