Stanydale Temple

Stanydale is the oldest prehistoric construction of a series of installations on Scotland's northern islands. Close to some floor plans are - " House I-III ", which are held for houses.

Stanydale Temple ( which is also referred to on the CD -Rom of T. Bullock Stanydale stone circle) is located on the main island of Shetland Mainland south of the A971 between the towns Bixter and Bridge of Walls.

The most famous of the prehistoric phenomena in the west of Mainland was initially described as a dual version of the oval cross house. This differs in the form of an Irish Court tomb despite many similarities in that it has in addition two niches in the wall at the head of the central courtyard, only a single chamber. Further, this chamber is round - at the Court Tombs is there a series of rectangular chambers. In the courtyard of Stanydale the remains were of two posts found, their location was marked by stones. Their wood ( an American species ) to have been stranded on the treeless islands. These piles triggered a roofing theory, why was initially talk of a house. On the other hand, similarities in the Shetlands with the usual Cairns are not to be overlooked. The pottery found suggests a use of the Late Neolithic to the Bronze Age.

Stanydale is accessible all year round and signposted. From the car park a 1.2 km long, marked by black and white bars trail leads to the object. To overcome the fences small stairs with handrail ( " styes " ) are available.

Besides Stanydale this guy is still represented in relatively good condition in Gruting School and The Gairdie. Less good specimens are Brouster, Culsetter No. 1, Stromness Voe, Vassa Voe, Ness of Gruting No. 2 and Girlsta.