What can I see at the Knowe of Swandro?
Swandro is an archaeological site on Rousay’s eroding coast, with remains spanning the Neolithic to the Norse period. It lies behind a boulder beach, reached along the shore after descending from the Midhowe parking area. Excavation activity and visitor access vary; check the current project information before visiting.
The layers of settlement
The site includes a Neolithic chambered tomb, Iron Age roundhouses, Pictish buildings, Viking settlement and a Norse long hall. [2]
Later structures were built into and around the earlier mound. The rescue excavation records evidence before it is lost to coastal erosion. [2]
The excavation
A film shared by Ness of Brodgar follows Time Team’s John Gater on his summer 2024 visit to Swandro. [1]
You can read more about the discoveries in the Swandro Trust’s excavation overview. [1] [2]
The shore setting
Swandro lies immediately behind a boulder beach at the Bay of Swandro. [2]
The Trust’s signed route leads down a steep hill from Midhowe car park, then left along the shore for around one kilometre. [3]
Find out more
- Video: Time Team at the Knowe of SwandroNess of Brodgar Project
The 2024 visit and the threat from coastal erosion.
- Knowe of Swandro excavationSwandro–Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust
The multi-period site and the purpose of the rescue excavation.
- Visit the Swandro excavationSwandro–Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust
The Westness shore route and information about the excavation.
Researched by Stay Rousay. Sources checked .