Northern Exposure

By Northern

Let me introduce you...

.... to Jock.

Jock is around about 5,000 years old, give or take a few days. He and a fair number of his family and friends were discovered in the Isbister Chambered Cairn on the island of South Ronaldsay. Known to most people as the Tomb of the Eagles due to the tomb also containing 70 talons from the white-tailed sea eagle and the remains of at least 14 birds.

Had the fun of a meeting with Jock and his friends at the visitor centre today. It's an amazing place. Run by the family of the man who first discovered the tomb whilst looking for stones to make fencing. If you want to find out more have a look at the link.

I doubt there are many places where at the end of a fascinating and informative talk you are handed a 5,000 year old skull to have a close look at.

Or then get to go on a wonderful windswept clifftop walk to the tomb which you then enter by laying on your belly on a very low bogey and pulling yourself into the tomb by a rope. Can't be many people it doesn't bring out the Indiana Jones in them.

Now here's thought... this guy lived and died a few miles from our house, albeit on a different island, what's the chances I have stepped where he did and looked out on the views you see in my blips?

..........................

Got to be number 13 in my Must See in Orkney series. To see the first 12 go back to 12 and follow the trail.

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