Five thousand years ago the island thought to have been the centre of British culture was surprisingly, Orkney! The presentation shows how these neolithic people lived. Their lives were far more ‘civilised’ than we might imagine. Their houses were comfortable, they ate a wide variety of food and they made engraved pots and jewellery. Great temples, burial sites and stone circles were also built by these ancient Orcadians. All were created using only tools made from stone!  The lecture is illustrated by photographs and drawings of archaeological discoveries past and contemporary, and current theories surrounding the legacy of these amazingly early people are examined.

Lecturer Elaine Hansen splits her year between Italy and Scotland, researching her specialist interests in each location and lecturing in the UK and abroad. Previously a guide at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow, for the past four years Elaine has been delivering lectures on cruises in Scotland and around the Mediterranean.