 The Cairns is an Iron Age settlement centered on a large broch on South Ronaldsay in Orkney. The excavations at The Cairns are part of an archaeological research project investigating the later prehistory of the landscape around Windwick on South Ronaldsay. The project is run by Martin Carruthers, a lecturer in archaeology with UHI Archaeology Institute based at Orkney College in Kirkwall.
Excavation work at The Cairns has been ongoing since 2006, with the investigation now focusing on the excavation of a large Atlantic Broch, and associated structures from various phases through the Iron Age and Norse period.
Note on Saints and Stones 2022 visit to The Cairns (Otkney): The Cairns site was only opened one day in 2022 for visitors. At the time of the visit, most of the project was already readied to be closed down for another year. Thus, the photos on this site are seen with much of the shutdown materials already placed. For photos of this spectacular site without these materials, please see the links below.
About The Cairns (Orkney)
UHI Archaeology Institute: The Cairns
UHI Archaeology Institute: The Broch
UHI Archaeology Institute: The Life and Times of The Cairns Video
Canmore: South Ronaldsay, Windwick, Cairns O' The Bu
Journey to The Cairns (Orkney)
The Cairns is located near Windwick Bay on South Ronaldsay in Orkney. From Kirkwall, first take the A965 and the A961 to go south of Kirkwall. Proceed south past the village of St. Margaret's Hope. Turn left at the sign for Windwick and proceed on minor roads to the small parking area at Windwick Bay. From there, it is an easy walk to the site.
Streetmap UK NGR ND4578987256.
Visitors Information
Visitors information for The Cairns (Orkney) may be found at the UHI Archaeology Institute website. General tourist information for Orkney may be found at the Orkney.com website.
Additional Photos of The Cairns (Orkney)
The Road to The Cairns (Orkney)
First Sight of The Cairns (Orkney) site
Latest Excavation Area at The Cairns (Orkney)
Dig Workers at The Cairns (Orkney)
Dig Workers at The Cairns (Orkney)
Approaching the Broch Area at The Cairns (Orkney)
The Broch and the Orthostat Room Dividers at The Cairns (Orkney)
Another Look at the Broch at The Cairns (Orkney)
Close-Up of a Broch Entrance at The Cairns (Orkney)
A Sample of Finds from the 2022 Excavation at The Cairns (Orkney)
More Finds from the 2022 Excavation at The Cairns (Orkney)
Close-Up of a Find from the 2022 Excavation at The Cairns (Orkney)
Close-Up of Human Tooth from the 2022 Excavation at The Cairns (Orkney)
Replica of the Reconstructed Bowl from the 2022 Excavation at The Cairns (Orkney)
Leaving The Cairns (Orkney) Site
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