Skara Brae

Skara Brae is one of the earliest known farming settlements in the British Isles, and is also one of the best preserved. Historic Scotland required a complete survey of the stones and inscriptions as part of their ongoing condition survey and treatment of the settlement, which has been designated a World Heritage site since 1999. Photogrammetry had already provided a basic stone by stone survey of the site, but more was required in the passageways and interpretation of the condition of the stonework, as well as the element of rebuild that had been undertaken in the 19th century.

In 2005, Historic Scotland commissioned AOC Archaeology Group to undertake a hand-drawn survey of the remaining stonework in the covered passageways and also a condition survey and interpretation of features in the remainder of the site on a stone by stone basis. Additional analysis and identification was made of the remaining inscriptions on the site and a full report on the findings made to Historic Scotland.

AOC Project Manager: Diana Sproat
Client: Historic Scotland