A much-loved Orkney visitor attraction will reopen for the first time in six years at the beginning of September.
Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay has been closed since before the COVID-19 pandemic, but thanks to a £600,000 fundraising effort the Neolithic site will now begin welcoming guests once again.
The 5000-year-old tomb was first discovered by farmer Ronnie Simison in 1958 and contained an incredible collection of ancient artefacts and human and sea eagle bones.
Owned and operated by the Simison family, over the years it became one of Orkney’s most popular tourist sites, with its unique trolley entrance and fascinating visitor centre telling the story of how people in the islands lived and worked thousands of years ago.
The tomb closed in 2020 because of uncertainty facing the tourism industry during the early months of the pandemic and has remained shut since. But, following an extensive fundraising campaign, the South Ronaldsay & Burray Development Trust has bought the tomb and its assets from the Simison family, bringing it all into community ownership.
Financial support came from members of the public and local businesses, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Orkney Archaeological Society, Orkney Islands Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Pentland Ferries, and the Scottish Land Fund.
From September 1, folk will be able to explore ancient history at the visitor centre, take the beautiful walk to the tomb, enjoying the stunning scenery and wildflowers en-route, and crawl inside the tomb itself. Tours will be on offer with plenty for folk of all ages to enjoy. A gift shop will be available too, with Orkney books, postcards, and gift, as well as a small selection of hot & cold drinks, confectionery, and Orkney Ice Cream.
Ruth Owen, Chair of South Ronaldsay & Burray Development Trust (SRBDT), said: “This iconic site hasn’t been open since 2019, and although that is a short time in the life of a 5000-year-old monument, it is an era during which this attraction has been missed by both the Orkney tourism economy and the world alike. We are thrilled to have finally passed the finish line in bringing the Tomb of the Eagles into community ownership, which is a massive achievement and a significant milestone on the journey of the SRBDT.”
The Tomb of the Eagles visitor centre will be open between 10am – 4pm daily, Thursday to Monday, from September 1 2025 (note: opening at 12pm on September 1). Find out more and plan your trip via the official website.