A much-missed Orkney visitor attraction could be set to reopen thanks to a special community campaign.
Tomb of the Eagles closed in 2020 because of the uncertainty facing the tourism industry during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the site has remained shut ever since.
For decades tourists from around the world had been fascinated by the family-run tomb and visitor centre, which was full of finds from the Neolithic cairn. It was discovered by local farmer Ronnie Simison in the 1950s and he discovered human remains and artefacts inside that had lain undisturbed for more than five thousand years.
But the ongoing closure has cast doubt over the future of this special clifftop location and its unique place in Orkney’s collection of ancient attractions.
Now Ronnie’s family have officially decided to retire and sell the tomb, opening the door to ambitious plans led by the local South Ronaldsay & Burray Development Trust.
With the full support of the family, the trust is working on a project that will see the tomb reopened and all the assets transferred into community ownership. The move would include redeveloping the site using sustainable tourism principles and bringing the tomb’s artefacts – currently on display at the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall – home to South Ronaldsay once again.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched and has already raised more than its original £20,000 target. Funding applications have also been submitted locally and to national bodies, including the Scottish Land Fund, and the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Alongside local sponsorship, it’s hoped enough financial support will be found to fully staff and run the site, reopen the visitor centre, and redevelop the museum displays, shop, and toilet facilities too.
All being well, visitors could be welcome at the Tomb of the Eagles once again towards the end of the summer this year.
Find out more about the Crowdfunding campaign and the trust’s plans for the future of the site.