The network of access passages

A winding network of low, narrow stone passages linked the houses of Skara Brae.

This meant it was possible to travel from one house to another without having to step outside - not a bad thing in the midst of an Orkney winter!

Just over one metre high, the passages were roofed with stone slabs, before being covered over with insulating midden.

The low height of the passages not only helped minimise drafts but could have served a symbolic, or even defensive, purpose. Anyone entering the village was forced to kneel or stoop.

Once inside, and after a brief period of disorientation, the visitor would have encountered a series of dark, winding, passages that led to distinct havens of warmth and light.

One main passageway led into the village. A bar-hole at either side of its entrance indicates that the main passageway could be sealed. Similar bar-holes are found along the length of the passages and also at the entrance of each house.

The door to each of the houses consisted of a large slab of stone, big enough to fill the low gap. When this "door" was closed it was held in place by a bar slotted into the bar-holes.