The medieval text Orkneyinga Saga tells of Sweyn’s seasonal visits to the island. In spring he’d sow his crops and then leave for his ‘spring trip’. He returned in summer to bring in his crop and then would go raiding once more in the Autumn. He’d return to Gairsay in the colder months:
"This was how Svein used to live. Winter he would spend at home on Gairsay, where he entertained some eighty men at his own expense. His drinking hall was so big, there was nothing in Orkney to compare with it.”
The drinking hall is thought to be just north of the present-day house of Langskaill on the west side of the island. Langskaill itself is an impressive residence. An ornate carved panel with the coats of arms of William Craigie and Margaret Honeyman stands above the seaward side gateway. The house was built for them in 1676.
