Public meeting called in South Ronaldsay on future of Tomb of the Eagles

A public meeting has been called, inviting the local community in South Ronaldsay and the surrounding area to come along and discuss options for the Tomb of the Eagles.

The meeting will take place at Hope Primary School in St. Margaret’s Hope at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th December 2023.

One of Orkney’s most important archaeological sites, the Tomb of the Eagles was discovered by chance by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s.  It revealed an amazing collection of human remains and artefacts, placed there some 5,000 years ago and became a privately-operated visitor attraction for several decades.  Sadly it was forced to close in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and has not reopened since.

Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Voluntary Action Orkney are keen to work with the community to find solutions to help re-open and run the facility.  All will be attending and presenting at the meeting, which will include an overview of the Scottish Land Fund including what support is available. This will be followed by an opportunity for the community to ask questions and agree next steps.

David Campbell from Voluntary Action Orkney will chair the session on behalf of the three organisations. He said: “We would encourage anyone with an interest in the South Ronaldsay community and the reinstatement of the Tomb of the Eagles as a valuable visitor attraction, to come along to the meeting and discuss options.

“It would be great to see the tomb open and welcoming visitors again, taking its place once again as a key tourism attraction in South Ronaldsay and Orkney.”