Orkney's Maeshowe Neolithic Cairn To Remain Open For Public Access

The Neolithic chambered cairn of Maeshowe is situated on the island of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland.  Of the many chambered cairns in Orkney, Maeshowe stands out as the most impressive. Thought to date from about 2800 BC the 5000 year old tomb forms part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which also includes Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness.  

Made up of a large central chamber, with three side chambers built into the walls, Maeshowe is accessed by a low, long entrance passage. The mound encasing the tomb is some 115 feet (35 m) in diameter reaching a height of about 24 feet (7.3 m). The mound is surrounded by a ditch and raised bank. Like the chambered tomb of Newgrange in Ireland, it is constructed in such a way that it is aligned to capture the last rays of the midwinter sun during the winter solstice. They shine directly through Maeshowe's entrance passage to illuminate the rear wall of the central chamber.

After many years of granting public access, there had been concerns that Maeshowe would have to close to the public due to health and safety problems. These concerns mainly centred on vehicle access to the car park at the Tormiston Mill visitor centre and worries about road safety.  Now Historic Environment Scotland have said a shuttle bus service was being introduced from the visitor centre at Skara Brae, allowing three tours a day. This service will continue while a longer term solution to the problem is found.