It stands imposingly on the Atlantic coast of Orkney and just 200m from the world famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae. The house is surrounded by spacious lawned gardens in a beautiful secluded spot between the sea and the Loch of Skaill. Skaill House was built in 1620 and in its 400 year history all 12 of its Lairds have been related and all have contributed to the history and collection in the house. The first owner was Bishop George Graham (Bishop of Orkney 1615-1638) who built the house on the site of a farmstead thought to date to the Norse period. Also notable was the7th Laird William Graham Watt who discovered Skara Brae in 1850. Visitors to Skaill House can explore the family home and the artefacts collected by the family since the 17th Century. The collection includes artefacts related to Skara Brae, an unusually Norse calendar stick and a dinner service used by the explorer Captain James Cook on his 3rd and final voyage. A visit to Skaill House and Skara Brae will give you a valuable insight into Orkney’s diverse and exciting past. Today Skaill House is one of Orkney’s top tourist attractions and is included as a joint ticket with Skara Brae. Skaill House is open to the public from April to September. The house is also available all year for weddings and private functions. In the North Wing of Skaill House there are also two apartments available as holiday accommodation. Skaill House is ideally situated on the stunning Orkney coastline and is an excellent base for exploring Orkney, 6 miles from Stromness and 16 miles from Kirkwall.
