Archaeological discoveries, close to revealing 'Viking capital' of Shetland

July 5, 2021

The Skailway project, which has been underway since May when more than £20,000 was raised to fund an excavation, has reported findings of “huge significance”.

Kristian Leith has been hunting for the ancient capital ever since he found five round house structures and 26 human remains while digging foundations for a garden shed last year.

Mr Leith brought in Orkney archaeological experts, ORCA, to carry out geophysical surveys in the land between the Mill Brae road and his home.

The last day of the investigation uncovered a structure, which is thought to be part of the ancient settlement.

Mr Leigh said the structure found was of “huge significance” as it had not been disturbed by later medieval burials or modern housing.

“Slowly but surely the story here is unveiling itself and we are getting closer to proving this is indeed the Skailvoigh settlement – the Viking capital of Shetland,” Mr Leith said.

Source - https://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2021/07/04/hugely-significant-discoveries-made-on-final-day-of-excavation-to-find-shetlands-ancient-viking-capital