[1] The building lies within a field of about 8 acres (3.2 ha) almost completely surrounded by a dry stone wall.

[7][8] The building's walls enclose an oval area about 40 by 22 feet (12.2 by 6.7 m) with six shallow recesses.

[7] There would have been few if any trees on the island when Stanydale was built, but driftwood must have been plentiful since it would have taken 700 metres (2,300 ft) of timber to construct the roof.

[7] He saw a strong resemblance to these structures, saying, "It is almost impossible not to assume that the Maltese temples are the prototypes from which Stanydale is derived and which solve the question of its purpose.

"[12] Other archaeologists have cast doubt on the "temple" theory, but agree that the building is unique in Shetland of the period in apparently being designed for communal use or for a high-status person.