Midhowe Cairn
Midhowe Cairn is a communal tomb which has been housed in a large building in order to protect it.
At over 100ft long and 40ft wide, the cairn - built in about 3500BC - is the longest and largest to have been excavated in Orkney so far, and acted as a burial place for the
Neolithic farming community of that time.
It is known as the 'Great Ship of Death', and contained the remains of 25 people, found in crouched positions, either on or under the eastern shelves of the chamber, which is
divided into twelve sections. Two burials, of a later date, were also discovered. Additionally found, were the bones of birds, oxen, pig, red deer, and sheep. These findings
indicated that the people were farmers and hunters, as well as the existence of deer on Rousay in the past, as there is no longer any in Orkney.
Midhowe Cairn
Midhowe Cairn Layout
Inside Midhowe Cairn
Inside Midhowe Cairn
Visitors to Midhowe are encouraged to use the suspended walkway,
to get a bird's-eye view of the cairn
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