Mainland, Orkney
Explore a Neolithic round chambered cairn, known for its ‘Unstan Ware’ pottery.
Unstan Chambered Cairn was probably built about 5,000 years ago as a communal burial place. It’s an unusual example of a stalled cairn, with internal divisions or stalls, and a single side cell.
Excavations here uncovered a remarkable collection of pottery bowls, all of the same design. Similar bowls were subsequently found in several other Neolithic tombs in Orkney, and are known as Unstan Ware.
This site is closed for now.
We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone.
Discover more on the go – the Historic Scotland app lets you find out about Scotland’s most iconic places wherever you are.
More than 20 of our sites are now open. Please book your tickets in advance.
Join Historic Scotland to visit our properties free of charge for a full year and support our work at the same time.
Use one of our fantastic locations on your next shoot for an awe-inspiring backdrop to your work.
Our 300+ historic places serve as creative inspiration for all sorts of learning activities – and for learners of all ages.
See the past brought to life by the imaginative year-round programme of events at our properties.
