SBS Dateline | Time and Tide

The main threat to archaeological sites might seem to be modern development, but in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland, it’s nature that’s threatening to destroy thousands of years of history.

These ancient sites have often been revealed by the effects of the wind and rain, but now the severe weather and rising sea levels are literally washing them away.

One expert describes it as the worst case of coastal erosion he’s ever seen and says the government is spending too little to save the islands’ history.

Video journalist Nick Lazaredes travels round Orkney and asks what can realistically be done to save them for future generations.

WATCH - Click to see Nick's report.