Rising sea threatens Stone Age village Skara Brae
Rising sea threatens Stone Age village Skara Brae
RISING sea levels are threatening the existence of Orkneys famous Stone Age village of Skara Brae, according to an official report.
by CRAIG BROWN
A draft management plan for the protection of the World Heritage site describes coastal erosion as a threat to the long-term survival of the subterranean village.
The report, compiled by Unesco, Historic Scotland, RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and Orkney Islands Council, says the site is at significant risk from a variety of climate-related factors.
These include: Increases in storminess and sea level rise and consequent increases in coast erosion; torrential rain and flooding; changes to wetting and drying cycles; and changes to flora and fauna.
Skara Brae is believed to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old and is the main attraction of Heart of Neolithic Orkney (Hono), which was made a World Heritage site by Unesco in December 1999. In addition to the village, the site includes Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and other nearby sites....
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