Grey Cairns of Camster, Neolithic burial site in Caithness, Highland, Scotland.
Grey Cairns of Camster are two Neolithic burial structures in the Scottish Highlands built from stacked stones. A long cairn contains two chambers while a round cairn holds three compartments, both accessible through narrow stone passages that lead deep into the mounds.
These burial sites were built about 5,000 years ago by the early inhabitants of this region. Excavations in the 1800s uncovered human remains, flint tools, and pottery vessels, revealing the advanced construction and craftsmanship of the time.
The burial chambers reveal specific funeral practices of the Neolithic period, where bodies were placed in sitting positions within the stone structures. These customs offer insights into the beliefs and social organization of the communities who built them.
Visitors can explore the burial chambers throughout the year, but should prepare for narrow passages that are lower and tighter than typical indoor spaces. Sturdy footwear and a flashlight help navigate the uneven stone surfaces and dark interior spaces.
The long cairn was actually built by combining two originally separate round mounds into a single structure. The distinctive horn-like projections at each end and the tall stone portals at the entrance showcase unusual architectural choices not seen at most other burial sites.
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