Structures of the departed

Last month, during a dragonfly walk in Russadale, the group spotted an old wasp's nest, tucked away under a heather bank. On our recent potter up the dale, I noticed that it was still there and pondered upon how long it could last in its sheltered location.

On the other side of the valley, hidden by sycamore trees, was a slightly older derelict building, its ruinous gable still visible.

Further away, looking north west, is the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

In a bit more detail...

Stones of Stenness (lower right); Ness of Brodgar (peninsula between Harray and Stenness Lochs); Ring of Brodgar (centre left). In the distance is Skaill Bay (with the associated settlement of Skara Brae) and the Atlantic Ocean.

Behind Tormiston Farm and Mill is the large chambered tomb of Maes Howe.