Quoygrew Settlement, Westray, Orkney

Enduring Norse Heritage on Westray

Quoygrew settlement is an extensive archaeological site on the island of Westray, part of the Orkney archipelago. Occupied from around the 9th or 10th century AD through to the 17th century, it provides a rare and valuable window into Norse and medieval life in northern Scotland. The site consists of two low mounds: one located near the shoreline and the other about 70 meters inland to the east. These mounds represent the remains of longhouses and farmsteads, reflecting a long-standing community that adapted over centuries to changing economic and environmental conditions.

Archaeological Discoveries and Excavations

Excavations at Quoygrew have revealed a complex sequence of medieval and post-medieval buildings, including longhouses associated with fishing and farming activities. The site is notable for its large fish middens—piles of discarded fish bones—dominated by species such as cod, saithe, and ling. These middens provide crucial evidence of the settlement’s reliance on marine resources, highlighting a shift from earlier diets with more mammal bones to a fish-based economy during the Viking Age. Artefacts such as soapstone vessel shards and turf construction materials have also been recovered, enriching understanding of daily life and material culture.

Environmental and Economic Context

The coastal location of Quoygrew was strategic for fishing and maritime trade, integral to the Norse settlers' livelihood. The artificially thickened 'plaggen' soils found at the site indicate deliberate land management for agriculture alongside fishing. The settlement’s long occupation period demonstrates resilience and adaptation to both natural and social changes, including shifts in economic focus from shore-based to more open-sea fishing practices.

Broader Historical Significance

Quoygrew is part of a wider archaeological landscape on Westray and Orkney that includes Bronze Age ritual sites, Iron Age brochs, and early Christian monastic remains. The settlement’s continuity through the Viking Age into the medieval period connects it to the broader Norse cultural and economic networks in the North Atlantic. Artefacts and burial finds in the region attest to a wealthy and interconnected community engaged in long-distance trade and cultural exchange.

Visitor Experience and Setting

Today, Quoygrew offers visitors a tranquil and scenic glimpse into Orkney’s deep past, set against the rugged coastal backdrop of Westray. While the remains are subtle earthworks rather than standing structures, the site’s atmosphere evokes centuries of human habitation and maritime enterprise. Interpretive information enhances appreciation of the site’s archaeological importance and the Norse legacy in Orkney.

Preservation and Research

Ongoing archaeological work continues to refine understanding of Quoygrew’s development and significance. The site is protected as a scheduled monument, ensuring its conservation for future generations. Research at Quoygrew contributes to broader knowledge of Viking Age settlements, subsistence strategies, and cultural identity in northern Scotland.