Quoyness Chambered Cairn, Sanday, Orkney

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Quoyness stands as a majestic chambered cairn on Sanday, Orkney, where ancient communities gathered for communal burial during the Neolithic period. The tomb boasts an impressive entrance passage that leads to a towering central chamber with six perfectly aligned side cells. A drystone structure is skillfully surrounded by a turf-covered platform. Farrer and Petrie first explored Quoyness in 1867, laying the groundwork for further excavations by V. Gordon Childe in the 1950s. Their meticulous work uncovered human remains, animal bones, a bone pin, and two enigmatic stone sculptures eerily reminiscent of artifacts from Skara Brae and Pool. Human bones were scattered throughout four side cells, the entrance passage, and a pit within the main chamber's floor. A radiocarbon sample revealed a date of 3098-2907 BC, offering valuable insights into Quoyness' rich history. Today, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proudly safeguards Quoyness, making it accessible to the public for free visits. For detailed information on visiting hours and schedules, please visit our website. Delve deeper into Quoyness' fascinating past by exploring the HES Archives.