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The Standing Stones of Stenness
 The Standing Stones of Stenness originally comprised of
a circle of perhaps 12 monoliths, surrounded by a ditch 2m
deep, 7m wide and 44m in diameter. The tallest stone is over
5m high. In addition there is a hearth-like stone setting
in the centre. The site dates from about 3000BC and is thus
older than Maeshowe or Brodgar.
Holes for more stones or wooden uprights were also discovered
within the circle and nearby, suggesting that the site was
originally more complex.
The nearby Watchstone stands at the side of the Loch of
Stenness. Observed from here some days before and after the
winter solstice, the sun disappears behind the Ward Hill
of Hoy, and then reappears momentarily before finally setting.
 There are several other standing stones in the vicinity,
the Barnhouse Stone near the main road, and a pair of smaller
monoliths on the north side of the Brodgar Bridge. In addition
there used to be the Stone of Odin, which was destroyed in
1814.
This stone was broken up and used to build a shed, but was
a famous landmark. It had a hole through which lovers and
others could hold hands and thus seal their vows. The Oath
of Odin was binding on any contract, and also credited with
healing powers.
Nearby is the Neolithic Village of Barnhouse on the edge
of the Loch of Harray. The bases of at least 15 free-standing
houses are indicated here, each with a central hearth, and
beds similar to those at Skara Brae. Two were bigger than
the rest, the largest being 7m square internally with 3m
thick walls. At midsummer the setting sun shines directly
down the entrance passage of this house.
 This structure resembles some of the chambered cairns, especially
Maeshowe, and may have been a meeting-hall associated with
events at the Standing Stones. Flint and other stone tools
were found as well as Grooved Ware pottery, similar to that
from Skara Brae and the Standing Stones.
Of the two types of pottery associated with the Orkney archaeological
sites, Unstan Ware seems to be the older, but it is not clear
whether the two designs are due to date, fashion, social
group, or manufacture method.
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