A large Norse "drinking hall" was discovered on an island of Scotland, archaeologists say, and is believed to have been used by a Viking chieftain named Earl Sigurd way back in the 12th century.
A large Norse "drinking hall" was discovered on an island of Scotland, archaeologists say, and is believed to have been used by a Viking chieftain named Earl Sigurd way back in the 12th century.
Westness is mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga, a historical narrative of the region, as a home of the Viking chieftain.
According to the UHI Archaeology Institute, the name "Skaill" suggests the site was once a popular Norse drinking hall, and location for high status community members to gather and kick back.
"You never know, but perhaps Earl Sigurd himself sat on one of the stone benches inside the hall and drank a flagon of ale!"