Excavations are to take place at The Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay beginning on Monday 24th August and lasting for three weeks until Friday 11th September.
Colin Mitchell, a resident of South Ronaldsay, who has assisted in the planning of this project and sits on the Tomb of the Eagles sub-committee, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded funding which will allow ORCA under the Direction of the UHI Professor of pre-history, Colin Richards, to carry out targeted excavation to find out more about the construction and possibly glean clues as to the purpose of the earthworks.”
The excavations will be carried out by the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) on the north side of the Neolithic monument to establish more precisely the extent of its hornwork features, understand its relationship to the Tomb, and inform the design of a proposed replica Tomb.
Visitors to the Tomb of the Eagles will be able to view the excavation and chat to the archaeologists. Visitors can also join tours and talks led by the Ranger Service who will provide information about the excavations.
There will also be a community Archaeology Weekend taking place on the
29th and 30th August, where members of the public can get involved and have the opportunity to participate in the excavation.
The weekend will include hands-on activities at the Visitor Centre, tours of the site and the Hrossey Raptors will be there on the Saturday.
The Tomb of the Eagles is community owned by South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust.
Archaeologist Michael Haslam said:
“As part of this project we will be offering our volunteers and the wider community the opportunity to learn basic excavation skills and be part of this exciting research project.
“Five thousand years ago this was the centre of a Neolithic community, bringing people together, and we are excited that it continues doing this job even today!”
The local community, especially residents of South Ronaldsay and Burray, are encouraged to get involved with the community excavation. There are limited spaces available which will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Please contact info@tomboftheeagles.com for further information or to enquire about the community excavation.
Burray and South Ronaldsay Development Trust would like to thank Orkney Islands Council, Community Led Local Development and the Orkney Fund for their support in funding the project.
Tomb of the Eagles is open from 10am – 5pm with last admissions at 3.30pm. Upon arrival, please visit the admissions desk inside the visitor centre. There is a 20% admissions discount for Orkney residents.
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