A new digital tour will allow the public to explore 35 historic sites across Orkney, including the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae.

Created by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the digital tour hopes to shed light on the history of the Orkney, and will feature more than 90 stories – from the finding of the Orkney Venus to the killing of St Magnus.

Using progressive web app (PWA) technology, the guide can be downloaded and used on devices without mobile signal or data; meaning people exploring the islands in-person will still be able to enjoy the audio and video tours in remote locations.

Andrew Burnet, Interpretation Manager at Historic Environment Scotland said researchers used drone footage and pioneering 3D scanning techniques to bring a number of historic sites to life.

He commented: “We are delighted to be able to share this new Orkney audio guide app which will enable the public to explore a host of famous sites across Orkney.

“With cutting edge PWA technology, not only does the app combine audio narration with high quality drone and 3D scan videos, but once loaded it also enables users to enjoy the guide without being reliant on mobile service, making it more accessible.”

The digital tour will allow users to explore a host of locations across the 10 islands. This includes drone tours that provide a birds-eye view of iconic attractions like the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae or the Maeshowe chambered cairn.

Meanwhile, 3D digital models will enable the public to journey inside some of Orkney’s less accessible sites, such as the Holm of Papa Westray Chambered Cairn and the Taversöe Tuick Chambered Cairn.

The guide also features a range of guest presenters, including guided tours narrated by site staff and interviews with leading historians and archaeologists, a stonemason, and a broch builder.

Culture Minister Neil Gray believes the digital tour will help raise awareness of Orcadian heritage and allow visitors to immerse themselves in local history.

He said: “As an Orcadian, I couldn’t be more thrilled that people will be able to enjoy such a comprehensive digital tour of the spectacular heritage sites on the islands,” he said.

“The fascinating stories about the history of these special places will be brought to life in particular by the drone footage and 3D models which will provide intriguing views of some of the less accessible and remote sites in the Orkney isles.”

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