Fancy a virtual visit to Skara Brae?

People across the globe can now visit Skara Brae from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the launch of a new virtual reality app from VisitScotland. 

Launched today, the ScotlandVR travel app is a virtual travel experience that allows people, wherever they are in the world, to be immersed in Scotland’s remarkable attractions. 

It’s hoped that the ScotlandVR experience, available to Android and Apple users, will inspire folk to come and see the world-famous attraction for real, and enjoy a first-hand experience of Orkney.

The whole environment can be experienced in Stereoscopic 3D when used with a Google Cardboard virtual reality headset, or in 360˚ view, using gyroscope technology in phone mode.

The app was developed by a team from Napier University, led by Professor David Benyon and Dr Oli Mival. They were inspired to create the software as part of a competition run by VisitScotland.

During their 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, the national tourism agency challenged young talent from Scotland’s academia to create an exciting, interactive digital product with the aim of motivating people to visit Scotland. 

Skara Brae is just one of 26 leading Scottish visitor destinations featured in the innovative new tourism app. Users may also soar like a bird over Edinburgh Castle, marvel at the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, journey into the depths of Ben Cruachan, the Hollow Mountain, or stand under the Northern Lights.