Plan to prevent erosion of Neolithic sites

Published on Thursday 8 May 2008 22:31

A LONG-TERM strategy is planned to protect one of Europe's most important archaeological sites from erosion.

A consultation was launched yesterday into a future management plan for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site (WHS), which aims to protect, conserve and improve understanding of the historic area.

The WHS comprises six sites: the Skara Brae settlement, Maeshowe chambered tomb, the Stones of Stenness, the Watch Stone, the Barnhouse Stone, and the Ring of Brodgar and associated monuments. The monuments, dating from 3000-2000BC, are regarded as outstanding testimony to the cultural achievements of the Neolithic people of northern Europe.

Historic Scotland, Orkney Islands Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds are responsible for managing the WHS.

Skara Brae is vulnerable to coastal erosion. A Historic Scotland spokesman said: "When the settlement was built 5,000 years ago, it was at least 1km from the coast. The remains are now right on the edge of Skaill Bay, and … there is evidence to suggest that the rate of erosion has accelerated in recent years."

Archaeology is one of the main attractions for visitors to Orkney, and last year Skara Brae had 74,000 visitors and Maeshowe had 25,000. Measures have been put in place to reduce visitor wear.

Historic Scotland says careful management is required to ensure the WHS is conserved while also protecting wildlife, including birds on the RSPB Ring of Brodgar Reserve.