Tomb of the Eagles artefacts now on display in The Orkney Museum

Hugely significant and much loved artefacts from the Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay have been transferred to the care of Orkney Islands Council’s Museums Service, while a long term plan for the site continues to be investigated.

Some of those artefacts can now be seen at the Orkney Museum, which has just reopened following a month-long closure to carry out important behind-the-scenes work at the Museum and stores.

Perched above the South Ronaldsay cliffs the ‘Tomb of the Eagles’ - or the Isbister Chambered Cairn - is one of Orkney’s most important archaeological sites.

Discovered by chance by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s, the Neolithic tomb revealed an amazing collection of human remains and artefacts, placed there some 5,000 years ago.

Unfortunately the site - which had been operated privately as an attraction for several decades - closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has not reopened.

But in recognition of the importance of the artefacts within, the site owners worked with the Council to transfer responsibility for the collection to the Council’s Museum’s team, in consultation with the Treasure Trove Unit at National Museums Scotland, for the long term benefit of the Orkney community.

Nick Hewitt, Team Manager for the Council’s Museums Service, said “Our experienced curatorial team are very aware of the importance of this site and its story to both the people of South Ronaldsay and visitors to Orkney.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure that elements of the collection are available to the public again. Over the longer term we’ll continue working with the Simison family and other key stakeholders to try and identify a sustainable future for this much-loved site.”

“Meanwhile we I want to express huge gratitude to the Simison family for their support and encouragement in building on the collection of Neolithic artefacts held by the Museum on behalf of the Orkney community - and indeed enthusiasts worldwide.”