Target reached!
We're adding a stretch goal to our Tomb of the Eagles campaign for our final week. T...
Tomb of the Eagles
Orkney, United Kingdom
Aim
The Tomb of the Eagles is one of Orkney's best-loved Neolithic sites. We aim to re-open and restore it as a community hub and tourist locale
About the Tomb
The internationally famous Neolithic chambered cairn at Isbister, known as the Tomb of the Eagles, occupies a spectacular clifftop location in the South Parish of South Ronaldsay. The 5,000+ year-old burial tomb is currently in private ownership. For over 20 years it was a successful family-run, and family-friendly, visitor attraction comprising the chambered cairn, scenic walks, a Bronze Age burnt mound, and a visitor centre. The Tomb provided employment opportunities for young people, and established itself as a much-loved and unique part of South Ronaldsay and Orkney’s tourism scene.
Why is it closed?
In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the suspension of tourism activity, and the tomb was closed to visitors. It did not reopen, and the family has now decided to retire, and to sell the Tomb and associated assets.
What are we doing about it?
With the family's full support, we, the South Ronaldsay community, are working to buy these assets, reopen the tomb, and redevelop the site using sustainable tourism principles.
To buy the site and make it safe, we are actively applying for funding from several places, including the Scottish Land Fund, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, and Orkney-based resources. Crowdfunding and sponsorship from local businesses will then help us staff and run the site, creating a sustainable and welcoming hub for the South Ronaldsay and wider community.
What has happened so far?
We have commissioned expert surveys of the tomb itself to assess its structural integrity, of the buildings and land that will support the visitor experience, and of the financial viability of running the site as a community-owned place. Each report has shown that our plan is viable, as long as we can upgrade the facilities already in place. Best of all, the 5000 year-old tomb remains in excellent condition!
Why this crowdfund?
Through our crowdfunder campaign, we hope to raise a minimum of £20,000 to re-open the visitor centre, including renovating the museum displays, shop and toilet facilities, and providing a snack and hot drinks service. If successful, we plan that the centre and site will once again welcome visitors starting in late summer 2025.
This project successfully funded on 12th April 2025