Best archaeology site

1. SKARA BRAE, ORKNEY

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

When a great storm roared across Orkney in 1850, the sands of Skara Brae shifted to reveal a mysterious cluster of dwellings connected by low tunnels. Thought to be remnants of a Pictish village, this was, in reality, a Neolithic settlement, 5,000 years old and of worldwide significance. We know almost nothing of the beliefs and world view of the early shore dwellers - but gazing down at doorways, fireplaces and store cupboards of their miraculously preserved domestic world is astonishing.

2. CAIRNPAPPLE HILL, near Bathgate, West Lothian

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

One of the most important prehistoric sites on mainland Scotland. At about 310 metres (just over 1,000ft) in height, the hill offers one of the best viewpoints in central Scotland, extending from Arran in the west to Bass Rock in the east, and was the site of a henge built 5,000 years ago.

3. TOMB OF THE EAGLES, Orkney

www.tomboftheeagles.co.uk

Meet the man who discovered the tomb and then slide yourself in on a kind of skateboard! The walk from the museum to the tomb itself is also spectacular - right along the cliff tops with the waves crashing below. You leave the tomb wishing that more was known about the people that lived there!

4. THE CRANNOG, Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Perthshire

www.crannog.co.uk

Wander along the banks of Loch Tay from Kenmore, paddling and skimming stones, to the Scottish Crannog Centre. A walkway into the loch takes you to a recreated crannog, a type of ancient loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 5,000 years ago. Oakbank Crannog is one of 18 crannogs preserved in Loch Tay.

5. STANDING STONES OF CALLANISH, Calanais, Lewis, 01851 621422

www.calanaisvisitorcentre.co.uk

As the website says: "This is a story with no ending. Against the backdrop of their 5,000 years, the stones have witnessed countless changes in the people and the landscape around them." Unmissable - in the bright summer sun or winter snow.