Quick Navigation
- Key Takeaways: Lesser-Known Neolithic Sites
- Mainland Marvels: Accessible Ancient History
- 1. Barnhouse Settlement
- 2. Unstan Chambered Cairn
- 3. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
- 4. Wideford Hill Cairn
- Outer Isle Adventures: Tombs with a View
- 5. Tomb of the Eagles (Isbister Chambered Cairn), South Ronaldsay
- 6. Dwarfie Stane, Hoy
- Rousay: The Egypt of the North
- 7. Midhowe Chambered Cairn
- 8. Blackhammer Chambered Cairn
- 9. Knowe of Yarso
- 10. Taversoe Tuick
- Watch: Exploring Orkney's Ancient Tombs
- Conclusion: Uncovering Orkney's Neolithic Soul
While Skara Brae, Maeshowe, and the Ring of Brodgar rightfully capture the imagination, Orkney's Neolithic heritage runs much deeper. Scattered across the Mainland and outer isles lie dozens of less-visited but equally fascinating tombs, settlements, and standing stones offering intimate glimpses into Stone Age life 5,000 years ago. Venturing beyond the main UNESCO sites rewards visitors with atmospheric encounters, fewer crowds, and a richer understanding of Orkney's ancient landscape. This guide explores ten remarkable Neolithic locations waiting to be discovered.
Key Takeaways: Lesser-Known Neolithic Sites
| Go Beyond | Explore fascinating Neolithic sites beyond the main UNESCO attractions for a quieter, deeper experience. |
| Mainland Gems | Visit Barnhouse Settlement, Unstan Cairn (unique pottery), Cuween Hill (dog burials), and Wideford Hill. |
| Outer Isle Highlights | Discover the Tomb of the Eagles (South Ronaldsay) and the unique Dwarfie Stane rock-cut tomb (Hoy). |
| Rousay ('Egypt of the North') | Explore a high density of sites like Midhowe, Blackhammer, Knowe of Yarso, and Taversoe Tuick. |
| Unique Insights | These sites reveal diverse burial practices, potential ritual connections (dogs, eagles, deer), and architectural variations. |
Mainland Marvels: Accessible Ancient History
Orkney's Mainland, easily accessible from Kirkwall and Stromness, hosts several significant yet often overlooked sites.
1. Barnhouse Settlement
Located just a stone's throw from the Stones of Stenness, the Barnhouse Settlement offers a fascinating counterpoint to Skara Brae. Excavated in the 1980s, this village dates back over 5,000 years and features the foundations of around 15 houses. While smaller than Skara Brae, its structures share similar features, including distinctive stone hearths and box beds. Intriguingly, two larger, non-domestic buildings suggest Barnhouse may have served a ceremonial or communal purpose, possibly linked to the nearby stone circles. Its proximity to Stenness makes it an easy addition to a tour of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, yet it remains surprisingly quiet, allowing for peaceful contemplation.
The foundations of Barnhouse Settlement near the Stones of Stenness.
2. Unstan Chambered Cairn
Situated on the banks of the Loch of Stenness, Unstan Cairn is a type-site for a unique style of Neolithic pottery – Unstan Ware. This well-preserved stalled cairn, featuring a main chamber divided by upright stone slabs, contained the remains of numerous individuals along with beautifully decorated shallow bowls. Its design blends elements of communal passage graves and smaller stalled cairns, offering insights into evolving burial practices around 3400-2800 BC. Access involves a short walk and descending a ladder into the atmospheric interior.
3. Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
Offering panoramic views towards Kirkwall and the Bay of Firth, Cuween Hill Cairn holds a unique mystery. Excavations in the early 20th century uncovered the skulls of twenty-four small dogs alongside human remains within its central chamber and side cells. This suggests dogs held significant symbolic or ritual importance for the Neolithic community who built this tomb around 3000 BC. Reaching the cairn involves a moderate uphill walk, and entering requires crawling through a low passage – remember to collect the torch provided at the entrance!
4. Wideford Hill Cairn
Another tomb commanding impressive views, Wideford Hill Cairn, located west of Kirkwall, is notable for its complex structure, resembling Maeshowe but likely older. It features a long, low entrance passage leading to a main chamber with three side cells. Its location and possible astronomical alignments continue to intrigue archaeologists. The walk up Wideford Hill provides excellent exercise and rewarding vistas over Kirkwall and the surrounding islands.
Outer Isle Adventures: Tombs with a View
Exploring Orkney's outer isles reveals Neolithic sites set within stunning natural landscapes.
5. Tomb of the Eagles (Isbister Chambered Cairn), South Ronaldsay
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of South Ronaldsay, the Tomb of the Eagles is one of Orkney's most evocative sites. Discovered by a local farmer, this stalled cairn contained thousands of human bones mixed with the talons and bones of numerous white-tailed sea eagles, suggesting a unique totemic or ritual connection between the community and these powerful birds over 5,000 years ago. The visitor experience includes handling replica artefacts and accessing the tomb via a low trolley. *Note: The visitor centre is currently closed for refurbishment until 2026, but the stunning cliff location remains accessible via coastal paths.*
The dramatic coastal setting of the Tomb of the Eagles.
Contact: Tomb of the Eagles
Visitor Centre closed until 2026.
+44 (0)1850 461 321 (Info Line)
6. Dwarfie Stane, Hoy
Unique in Britain, the Dwarfie Stane is a massive block of red sandstone hollowed out by Neolithic people around 3000 BC to create a rock-cut tomb. Located in a dramatic valley on the island of Hoy, it's associated with local folklore about giants and dwarves. Entering the low opening reveals two side cells carved into the stone. Reaching it requires a ferry to Hoy and a walk through the scenic Rackwick valley.
The unique Dwarfie Stane on the island of Hoy.
Rousay: The Egypt of the North
The small island of Rousay boasts an incredible concentration of archaeological sites, earning it the nickname 'Egypt of the North'. Access is via Orkney Ferries from Tingwall on the Mainland.
Contact: Orkney Ferries (for Rousay, Hoy, Papa Westray)
7. Midhowe Chambered Cairn
Often called the "Great Ship of Death", Midhowe Cairn is an exceptionally long stalled cairn (over 23 metres) containing 12 compartments separated by flagstone slabs. It sits beside an Iron Age broch, showcasing millennia of settlement. A modern hangar protects the site, allowing close inspection of the intricate stonework.
The impressive interior of Midhowe Chambered Cairn.
8. Blackhammer Chambered Cairn
Shorter than Midhowe but equally intriguing, Blackhammer Cairn is another stalled tomb known for its distinctive chevron (zigzag) patterns carved into the stonework – a decorative feature rare in Neolithic Orkney. Reaching it involves a walk up from the road.
9. Knowe of Yarso
This stalled cairn yielded remains of over two dozen people and, significantly, bones from at least 36 red deer, suggesting a potential link between burial rites and hunting or feasting. Its position offers commanding views over Eynhallow Sound.
10. Taversoe Tuick
*(Replacing Rowiegar due to lack of verifiable info)* This unusual site features two burial chambers, one built above the other, dating to around 2500 BC. It represents a later phase of Neolithic tomb building on Rousay, possibly reflecting changing beliefs or social structures. Access is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Watch: Exploring Orkney's Ancient Tombs
Conclusion: Uncovering Orkney's Neolithic Soul
Exploring beyond Orkney's headline Neolithic attractions reveals a landscape saturated with history. From the dog burials at Cuween Hill to the eagle talons at Isbister and the unique rock-cut tomb on Hoy, these lesser-known sites offer profound connections to the people who shaped these islands 5,000 years ago. Each visit adds another layer to the story of Neolithic Orkney, a story still being uncovered.
Planning your archaeological adventure? Consider staying near Kirkwall for easy access to Mainland sites, or book accommodation on Rousay or Hoy for a truly immersive experience. Find your perfect Orkney base on Orkney Stays and prepare to step back in time.
