The Heart of Neolithic Orkney
Handling boxes
Inspire curiosity and bring prehistory to life with a Heart of Neolithic Orkney handling box. Filled with replica artefacts from Neolithic Orkney, each box gives learners the chance to explore the past through touch, discussion and discovery.
A HES ranger can bring a box directly to your school and deliver an engaging learning session, helping pupils connect with the people living in Orkney 5,000 years ago in a memorable way.
Schools can also enjoy the experience on site. Thanks to the HES travel subsidy, eligible schools can get help with transport costs for a visit to the Maeshowe Visitor Centre, where learners can discover this remarkable Neolithic landscape in the place where its story happened.
How do I borrow a handling box?
The handling boxes are available too all schools and groups in Orkney, including the outer isles.
To learn more, contact us at orkneyrangers@hes.scot
App
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is one of the finest Neolithic buildings to survive in north-west Europe, and part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only accessible by a guided tour, the site can now be experienced through the Explore Maeshowe app!
Developed using highly accurate laser scan data captured as part of the Scottish Ten Project, via a partnership between Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and experts in 3D visualisation at The Glasgow School of Art’s School of Simulation and Visualisation (SimVis), the app also allows users to take part in an interactive 3D tour of the site, view an impressive photographic slideshow and learn more about Maeshowe’s rich legacy.
The app is available to download on both IOS and Android Devices.
3D models
Sketchfab is an online platform which allows users to explore 3D models of some of our properties and historic artefacts.
We have curated a collection of models which explore the Orkney Isles, many of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn, make, draw and play
More resources and visiting
What better way to learn about the Heart of Neolithic Orkney than to visit the site yourself! Learn more at the dedicated visitor centre at Stenness, and consider joining our expert rangers on a guided walk.