Midhowe Chambered Cairn

Midhowe Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic burial monument on the island of Rousay in Scotland. The structure extends across a considerable length and contains a system of multiple internal chambers divided by stone slabs that rise quite high.

The burial monument dates to the Neolithic period and was used over thousands of years. Researchers have found that it is linked to other similar tombs from this era across the region.

The internal layout with stone shelves and chambers shows how Neolithic people on the Orkney Islands buried their dead communally. You can observe how the different rooms were carefully arranged to hold multiple individuals.

A modern protective shelter lets visitors explore the monument from elevated walkways while keeping the archaeological remains below intact. You should wear sturdy shoes, as the paths and surrounding ground can be uneven.

The interior contains stone carvings that match patterns found on pottery vessels discovered during excavations inside the tomb. This connection shows that artistic patterns held meaning for the people who used the burial site.

Location: Orkney Islands

Location: Rousay and Egilsay

GPS coordinates: 59.15654,-3.09914

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41