Stenness

Not to be confused with Isle of Stenness in Shetland.

Stenness (pronounced /ˈstɛnɪs/) (Old Norse: Steinnes; Norn: Stennes) is a village and parish on the Orkney Mainland in Scotland.^[1] It contains several notable prehistoric monuments including the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.

Stenness
The Stenness Watch Stone stands outside the circle, next to the modern bridge leading to the Ring of Brodgar.
Stenness Location within Orkney
OS grid reference	HY305115
Civil parish	Stenness
Council area	Orkney
Lieutenancy area	Orkney
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	STROMNESS
Postcode district	KW16
Dialling code	01856
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish
UK Parliament	Orkney and Shetland
Scottish Parliament	Orkney
List of places UK Scotland 58.986°N 3.208°W / 58.986; -3.208

Geography

Stenness parish adjoins the southern extremity of the Loch of Stenness,^[2] and also some notable standing stones. It is bounded on the west by the efflux of the loch, and a branch of Hoy Sound,^[2] and has been administratively merged with Firth.^[2]

History

In Old Norse: Steinnes^[3] or Steinsnes^[4] means headland/peninsula of the stone.

The area has been inhabited for a considerable time. Near the village are several notable prehistoric monuments including the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.^[5]

See also

• Burn of Ayreland
• Happy Valley (garden)