Do you study before visiting Scotland? If not this might not interest you :)

Interesting links! I just looked quickly to see if there was anything Orkney/Shetland specific which is my current interest and didn't see anything but wow, there is a wide range and not just for Scotland.

Thank you for posting this interesting set of courses!

Thanks, Diane! These look really interesting!!!

re: Pam
I found this link to a reading list for Orkney.

https://orkneyarchaeologysociety.org.uk/reading-list-for-orkney-archaeology/

I did attempt to read the Orkneyina Saga but had a brain freeze 3/4 way through when reading about two men named Svein on opposites sides of a battle. I could not keep straight this Svein vs that Svein who came from where ever and what their motivations were. I had to put the book away LOL

The Future Learn courses are very good, I've done several in the past.

If you want something a bit lighter, get hold of a copy of Horrible Histories: Scotland by Terry Deary (buy second hand from Amazon). Although written with children in mind, it also works for grown ups too. It is historically accurate and very funny. You will learn all sorts of things that are never covered in the guide books.

"I did attempt to read the Orkneyina Saga but had a brain freeze 3/4 way through when reading about two men named Svein on opposites sides of a battle"

Oh my word Diane...this is impressive! I need history light, lol...or preferable a wonderful guide who is talking and pointing at sights at the same time, lol.

@Wasleys, I've seen those iin lots of gift shops in Britain (you know...see the historical site and exit thru the gift shop, hahaha!) but had not picked any up. I'll look and see what I can see! Thank you.

The grandsons love those books and I think have nearly all of them. It'a amazing just how much they have learned from them and both are regularly top in History lessons at school too...

Always good to read up a bit on the history of the country you are planning, but always remember some of the simplified histories do leave out some of the subtleties, and if not careful can give a one sided view that excludes some of the reality. Sometimes people can read up and still have an unclear view, just saying.

As for the Svein v Svein, ah yes. A very common problem with some bits of history, in that so few names were used in certain circles. Quite often you are reading of something and have to remember which person you are reading about. The Bruce and Stuart dynasties for example only seemed to use 4 names for centuries, until they discovered Charles in 1600, Robert Bruce could refer to a number of different men and boys during those centuries.

I admit to having the Orkneyinaga Saga on my bookshelves, but have never managed to finish reading it, it is very interesting, but pretty heavy going.

I admit to having the Orkneyinaga Saga on my bookshelves, but have never managed to finish reading it, it is very interesting, but pretty heavy going.

Maybe an audio version would help? The Sagas were meant to be performed rather than read, so reading them can be a bit like reading a script.

It has been very interesting to read your responses. I would say to not to completely give up on the Orkneyinga Saga. Even if you only read a bit, the miracles attributed to St. Magnus or the poetry (well, you may need to read a bit of those chapters for context), the book is worth staking a stab at.

The Saga helped me to understand, in a way that some of the general histories of Scotland have not, is the depth of influence that the Norse brought to Scotland, Orkney and Shetland especially but also the northern regions and Hebrides.

I will say that I apparently never outgrew the ‘why’ stage that toddlers pass through. LOL It’s not enough for me to read just one book, take one class, on a subject. It’s only after several that my curiosity is satisfied. Pity any tour guides who might have me on a tour. LOL

Thank you for this information. This brings a depth of information to me and to all