A network of
well-maintained side roads leads the visitor to dozens of quiet corners
and some of the most beautiful and peaceful landscapes anywhere. Every
bend of the road reveals new facets of an ancient landscape which has been
inhabited for at least 5,000 years. Two to three thousand years ago the
climate was much warmer and drier.
Traces of ancient
farmsteads and field systems are everywhere. Excavated habitation sites at
the Scord of Brouster and Stanydale date from this period and show that
crops could grow on what is now barren moorland. The Westside also has
several ruined brochs - fortified circular stone towers dating from around
the time of Christ.
