Ancient 5000-year-old tomb on scenic Scottish island set to reopen to the public
The tomb, known as Isbister Chambered Cairn, dates to 3200 BC and was used for 800 years but has been closed since the Covid pandemic
After being closed since the Covid pandemic, one of Orkney's most fascinating ancient landmarks is set to reopen to the public thanks to a major funding boost.
The Tomb of the Eagles, a Neolithic chambered cairn perched on the dramatic cliffs of South Ronaldsay, is often described as a 'jewel in the crown' of Scotland's rich archaeological heritage.
Thought to be around 5,000 years old, the tomb has yielded an extraordinary collection of finds since it was discovered by local farmer Ronald Simison in the 1950s.
Around 16,000 human bones from at least 324 individuals were found inside, along with talons and bones from white-tailed sea eagles, giving the site its distinctive name.
Later research revealed the eagle remains were placed in the tomb up to 1,000 years after the human burials, suggesting the cairn continued to hold ritual significance for centuries.
Analysis of the bones revealed a mix of health and hardship. The people buried there were believed to have lived active, robust lives, but roughly one in five showed signs of violent injuries, likely caused by wooden clubs or stone axes.
The tomb, also known as the Isbister Chambered Cairn, dates back to around 3200 BC and was used for burials over a period of 800 years. Visitors previously accessed the site through a low three-metre tunnel, but it has been closed since the Covid pandemic.
Now, the community's efforts to bring it back to life have taken a huge leap forward.
The South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust has secured more than £100,000 in National Lottery funding, just weeks after a separate grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Ruth Owen, chair of the trust, said: 'We are delighted at the award of just over £100,000 to the Development Trust for the purposes of reopening the Tomb of the Eagles.
"Not only does this provide essential funding that will bridge the final budget gap required to acquire the site, but importantly it provides the necessary match funding to set up staffing next year, for our first full season.
'This really is the final piece of the funding jigsaw to acquire and re-establish the site, and we can now say with confidence that the Tomb of the Eagles will reopen to the public.
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"We would like to thank the National Lottery players and indeed all our funding partners for giving the community this opportunity.'
The site has remained in the care of the Simison family, who have worked alongside the trust to realise the vision of community-led ownership and reopening.
Freda Norquay of the Simison Partnership added: 'We are so pleased that the Tomb will now reopen and forge its future under community ownership and feel that this is a fitting reflection of the Simison legacy.
"It is a way forward that we fully support, and we believe that our parents, Ronnie and Morgan Simison, would have endorsed.'
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Ancient 5000-year-old tomb on scenic Scottish island set to reopen to the public
The tomb, known as Isbister Chambered Cairn, dates to 3200 BC and was used for 800 years but has been closed since the Covid pandemic After being closed since the Covid pandemic, one of Orkney's most fascinating ancient landmarks is set to reopen to the public thanks to a major funding boost. The Tomb of the Eagles, a Neolithic chambered cairn perched on the dramatic cliffs of South Ronaldsay, is often described as a 'jewel in the crown' of Scotland's rich archaeological heritage. Thought to be around 5,000 years old, the tomb has yielded an extraordinary collection of finds since it was discovered by local farmer Ronald Simison in the 1950s. Around 16,000 human bones from at least 324 individuals were found inside, along with talons and bones from white-tailed sea eagles, giving the site its distinctive name. Later research revealed the eagle remains were placed in the tomb up to 1,000 years after the human burials, suggesting the cairn continued to hold ritual significance for centuries. Analysis of the bones revealed a mix of health and hardship. The people buried there were believed to have lived active, robust lives, but roughly one in five showed signs of violent injuries, likely caused by wooden clubs or stone axes. The tomb, also known as the Isbister Chambered Cairn, dates back to around 3200 BC and was used for burials over a period of 800 years. Visitors previously accessed the site through a low three-metre tunnel, but it has been closed since the Covid pandemic. Now, the community's efforts to bring it back to life have taken a huge leap forward. The South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust has secured more than £100,000 in National Lottery funding, just weeks after a separate grant from the Scottish Land Fund. Ruth Owen, chair of the trust, said: 'We are delighted at the award of just over £100,000 to the Development Trust for the purposes of reopening the Tomb of the Eagles. "Not only does this provide essential funding that will bridge the final budget gap required to acquire the site, but importantly it provides the necessary match funding to set up staffing next year, for our first full season. 'This really is the final piece of the funding jigsaw to acquire and re-establish the site, and we can now say with confidence that the Tomb of the Eagles will reopen to the public. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "We would like to thank the National Lottery players and indeed all our funding partners for giving the community this opportunity.' The site has remained in the care of the Simison family, who have worked alongside the trust to realise the vision of community-led ownership and reopening. Freda Norquay of the Simison Partnership added: 'We are so pleased that the Tomb will now reopen and forge its future under community ownership and feel that this is a fitting reflection of the Simison legacy. "It is a way forward that we fully support, and we believe that our parents, Ronnie and Morgan Simison, would have endorsed.'
