<P> The 1972 excavations reached layers that had remained waterlogged and had preserved items that otherwise would have been destroyed . These include a twisted skein of Heather, one of a very few known examples of Neolithic rope, and a wooden handle . </P> <P> A comparable, though smaller, site exists at Rinyo on Rousay . Unusually, no Maeshowe - type tombs have been found on Rousay and although there are a large number of Orkney--Cromarty chambered cairns, these were built by Unstan ware people . </P> <P> Knap of Howar, on the Orkney island of Papa Westray, is a well - preserved Neolithic farmstead . Dating from 3500 BC to 3100 BC, it is similar in design to Skara Brae, but from an earlier period, and it is thought to be the oldest preserved standing building in northern Europe . </P> <P> There is also a site currently under excavation at Links of Noltland on Westray that appears to have similarities to Skara Brae . </P>

Who lived in skara brae 4000 years ago