My first view of Taversoe Tuick, in photos taken in June 1975, when the chambered cairn was under the care of the ‘Ministry of Works’.
Today Taversoe Tuick, and the island’s other sites of archaeological interest are now under the wing of Historic Environment Scotland – and are all free to access.
Below is a series of photos taken in January 2018.
The Upper Chamber of the cairn was discovered in 1898, when General Burroughs and his wife were having a seat constructed on this spot – Flagstaff Hill – not far from Trumland House, in the background of this photo.
The Neolithic cairn is unusual, due to the fact it is a two-storey construction dating from c.3000BC
The hole in the Upper Chamber floor is a ‘modern’ creation, providing access to the Lower Chamber.
The Upper Chamber was found to contain the cremated remains of one or more adults and a child – as well as pottery and animal bones.
The Lower Chamber is divided into four compartments. Excavation revealed skeletal remains, a crouched burial, as well as some cremated remains. The tight entrance passageway – originally the only means of access to the Lower Chamber.
Below left is the interior of the Outer Chamber, inside which three pottery bowls were found. Although empty, they were thought to serve some purpose in the rituals that took place within the tomb.
Taversoe Tuick chambered cairn, overlooking the Sounds of Wyre and Eynhallow
