What can I see at Blackhammer Cairn?
Blackhammer is a small Neolithic chambered cairn, known for stonework laid in slanting patterns. It lies about two miles west of Rousay Pier. The approach is steep and entry involves a ladder, so check the visitor details below when deciding whether it suits your visit.
The burial chamber
Blackhammer is about 5,000 years old. Its chamber originally had seven stalls. A later internal wall reduced the space, and four upright dividers were removed. [2]
Excavations in the 1930s found two adult male skeletons, pottery, animal bones, a bone pin and a polished stone axe. Their use in the burials remains uncertain. [2]
Patterned stonework
The triangular pattern continued across the stones sealing the entrance. The Ness of Brodgar article describes the masonry, without establishing that Blackhammer itself was painted. [1]
The original entrance was a low passage. A modern ladder now leads into the chamber. [2]
The hillside setting
The cairn is off the B9064, around two miles west of Rousay pier. The approach is steep and can be muddy. [3]
Historic Environment Scotland’s page has more details about the site. [3]
Find out more
- Painted walls: Blackhammer’s patterned masonryNess of Brodgar Project
Discussion of triangular stonework and the sealed entrance.
- Blackhammer: history and storiesHistoric Environment Scotland
The chamber, alterations, finds and modern entry.
- Blackhammer: plan your visitHistoric Environment Scotland
Opening information, location and approach conditions.
Researched by Stay Rousay. Sources checked .