Between them, these three islands contain 166 archaeological sites. The ‘Great Ship of Death’ can be found on Rousay, and such is the historical significance of the island that most of it has been designated a Site of Scientific Special Interest. Wyre is also drowning in history, where legend has it the ruined castle on the island is the remains of that built by Cubbie Roo, detailed in the Orkneying Saga. Egilsay has a bloody and treacherous history. Home of the Viking Church of St Magnus, history tells us that Earl Magnus was murdered by his cousin on the pretext of signing a peace treaty.

For those who have an interest in discovering about the past, for those who believe history can teach us what we need to know about the future, for those who simply stand in awe at the achievements of our ancestors when confronted with it face to face, visit these islands and let your imagination take you back to a time when the world was a much bigger place.