The ruins of the Earl’s Palace in Birsay, are a mere shadow of a grand reformation residence that once stood oppressively over the local Orcadians.

Around 1565, Robert Stewart, the illegitimate son of James V, was granted rule of Orkney and Shetland by Mary, Queen of Scots. Built around 1574, he built his pretentious main residence in Birsay.

Facing North west from the central courtyard

Various inventories and descriptions lay testament to the lavish interiors and sumptuous decor of the rooms that went hand in hand with the pain and suffering brought about the Orcadian people by their unjust and tyrannical ruler.

Dominating the village and shore of Birsay, the building was constructed around a central courtyard and well.  Being part fortress, part residence, three large towers flanked its walls with gun holes along the ground floor.

The first floor had large sumptuous rooms with a stunning gallery in the west wing.  The ceilings were elaborately painted with biblical scenes.

According to the inscription above the entrance, the work was started in 1574, with the great hall and beside it, Lord Robert’s private chamber.

The West Gallery

It is thought that the second phase may have taken place after Lord Robert acquired the Earldom in 1581. A great hall and chamber were added on the north side of the courtyard.

After the death of Earl Robert, later Earls only paid scant attention to this dwelling and writings indicate that it was falling into ruin by 1701.

Presence

Walking around the ruins, it is hard to imagine how lavish and extravagant this place would have been. However, it’s presence is out of keeping with the rest of the landscape and it would have been a very imposing structure in it’s day.

Visiting

In Birsay on the A966.
Grid reference – HY 248 277.
Access – Free of Charge

More Information

Birsay Heritage Trust

Robert Stewart – First Earl of Orkney - Undiscovered Scotland

Historic Scotland – Places to visit

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• Broch of Gurness

The Broch of Gurness in Orkney is one of the most outstanding surviving examples of an Iron-Age settlement in northern Scotland.

Scottish Brochs

Interior of the large Broch of Gurness tower

There are over 500 brochs, all unique to Scotland, with many of them scattered around the highlands and islands.

Unlike other brochs, the ones in Orkney were often surrounded by villages and the Broch of Gurness is certainly one of the most impressive. It’s extensive archaeological excavation allows the visitor to almost feel what it would have been like to live in the small stone houses, walk up the streets and interact socially.

Archaeological excavations in the early 20th century suggest that the village was begun between 500 and 200BC.  A large area, around 45m across, surrounded by ditches and ramparts.

An entrance causeway was added on the east side at a later date, and a large circular broch tower was built to the west of the site. Around this tower, a complete village appeared comprised of small stone houses, yards and store rooms.

Viking Burials
In the 8th and 9th centuries, Orkney became home to many Viking settlers, these viking communities often used the mounds of earlier settlement sites as burial places. The grave of a Viking woman, complete with grave goods was found at Gurness and other excavations also suggest that Viking men were also buried at the site.

Broch of Gurness information

• Orkneyjar – The Broch o’Gurness, Evie
• Undiscovered Scotland
• Historic Scotland – One of the most outstanding surviving examples of an Iron-Age settlement in northern Scotland

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