Scottish Highlands - Prehistoric Sites
- Map of Prehistoric Sites in Highlands and Islands
- Map of ALL Prehistoric Sites in Scotland
- Map of all attractions in Highlands and Islands
Taking in the Highlands, and Scottish islands including Orkney, Shetland, Skye, and the Western Isles (Harris, Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Berneray, Barra, and Eriskay).
Quoyness is a good example of a Neolithic chambered tomb, built around 3000 BC. The tomb stands in a ritual landscape, near another chambered tomb and several smaller Bronze Age burial cairns.
Sanday, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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A small stone beside the River Naver is carved with the sign of a cross. The stone is said to mark the grave of 'The Red Priest', possibly St Maelrubha, who was killed by Vikings in AD 722.
B871, Skail, Strathnaver, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, KW11 6UA
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One of the best-preserved Neolithic chambered cairns in the Uists, and also one of the easiest to access. Reineval sits in an exposed position on the northern slope of Beinn Reinebhal. The cairn is about 75 feet wide at the base, which is set with upright kerb stones, of which about 12 are still standing. The mound is about 12 feet high, with a 3-foot-wide entrance to the main chamber.
Mingarry, South Uist, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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Rennibister Earth-House is a curious Iron Age underground passage and chamber standing in a farmyard near Finstown. Though probably not intended as a burial chamber, the remains of 18 human skeletons were discovered in the chamber when excavated.
Finstown, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most beautifully situated prehistoric monuments in Britain. The stone circle stands on a low rise beside Loch Harray on Orkney Mainland. The Ring dates to about 2500 BC. There are 27 stones still standing, though it is estimated that there were originally up to 60 stones. The circle is set within a high earthen bank which gives across the loch to the circular burial mound of Maes Howe. A short distance away are the Stones of Stenness, and recent excavations have revealed a huge ceremonial complex of buildings near the circle.
Stenness, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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of Ring of Brodgar
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On a hill overlooking Shandwick Bay stands an 8th-century Class II Pictish cross-slab carved with a mix of traditional Christian and Pictish symbols. The stone is housed inside a glass structure to protect it from weathering.
New Street, Shandwick, Highlands and Islands, Scotland, IV20 1XQ
Attraction Type: Prehistoric - Pictish Stone
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Heritage Highlight: Superb Pictish and Christian carvings
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A Neolithic chambered cairn surrounded by a low earthwork stands in a wooded clearing near the River Naver. According to local legend, a holy man known as the 'Red Priest', was killed by Vikings at the entrance to the cairn.
Skail, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: Did St Maelrubha die here in AD 722?
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Skara Brae is the best-preserved group of Stone Age (main periods of settlement between 3100-2500BC) houses in western Europe. Long covered by sand, they were uncovered by a storm in 1850. The stone houses, linked by covered passageways, contain stone furniture. There is a modern museum explaining the history of the site and showing what life was like for the inhabitants 5,000 years ago.
Skaill, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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of Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
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There are several prehistoric monuments on the southern slope of South Clettreval hill. The easiest to access is a fascinating combination of an aisled house and a chambered cairn. The cairn was established first, and the aisled house was later built over the west end of the cairn. The whole site was enclosed within an enclosure wall.
Tigharry, North Uist, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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Staneydale is an intriguing Neolithic hall, or ritual temple, containing a large oval chamber, surrounded by the ruins of stone houses and cairns.
Walls, Mainland, Shetland, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: Mysterious oval building - what was it used for?
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