Ancient Viking waterway discovered in Orkney

A series of Old Norse place names, connected to the sea and boats, around the island first sparked the interest of researchers who then began investigations.

The waterways provided easy access to their stronghold on the Brough of Birsay for the transport of rents and taxes from the rich farms and estates surrounding the Loch of Harray.

A lost Viking canal system, which acted as a trade and transport highway, has been discovered running through Orkney.

The route connects the North Atlantic with the Scapa Flow, and crosses the Scottish archipelago’s mainland.