The inhabitants of Skara Brae seemed to lead a prosperous life, featuring a variety of resources and comforts. They crafted jewelry and pottery, and their agricultural practices included the cultivation of wheat and barley. Their diet was supplemented by plentiful catches from the sea, including impressive fish such as cod that could weigh up to seventy-five pounds.

Additionally, the community raised livestock, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs, which contributed to their sustenance and domestic life. However, one notable limitation they faced was a shortage of wood, which points to environmental factors that may have influenced their way of living.