The world-famous Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay will reopen to visitors on Monday 1 September.
Its reopening has been made possible following a major fundraising effort of around £600,000, and the sale of the site by the Simison Family Partnership to the South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust (SRBDT).
Commenting SRBDT Chair, Ruth Owen said:
“This iconic site hasn’t been open since 2019, and although that is a short time in the life of a 5000-year-old monument, it is an era during which this attraction has been missed by both the Orkney tourism economy and the world alike. We are thrilled to have finally passed the finish line in bringing the Tomb of the Eagles into Community ownership, which is a massive achievement and a significant milestone on the journey of the SRBDT.
“I’d like to thank all our funders, particularly Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Orkney Archaeological Society, the Orkney Islands Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Pentland Ferries, the Scottish Land Fund, and the very many individuals and local businesses that contributed to our Crowdfunder appeal without whom this would never have happened.
“We can’t wait for visitors to start arriving again, and as a special incentive, Orcadians will get a 20% entrance discount for showing their support for this project – this was imperative when making the decision to attempt to purchase the Tomb in the first instant.”
Steve Sankey, SRBDT Director added:
“It’s been a long two years in the planning, and all thanks to the hard work of several people, too many to name, but they know who they are – it’s an incredible achievement.
“I’d especially like to thank the Simison family, for their patience, understanding and help. We’d like to think that we will move forward with the legacy of the family at the heart of what we do.
“We believe it to be the first time that a community in Scotland has bought a scheduled monument, so that’s a wee bit of history too. Personally, I’ve been taking people to this place for over 20 years, and it truly is a magical place – it’s great that locals and visitors can now start enjoying the site again.”
Click on this link for the website for opening times and other information : Tomb of the Eagles.