Can I see the Neolithic houses at Rinyo?
The excavated houses at Rinyo were covered again, so you should not expect an exposed village like Skara Brae. The settlement lies near Bigland in north-east Rousay, with most remains beneath the turf. This guide explains its importance and what to consider before visiting the area.
Discovery and excavation
James Yorston Junior discovered Rinyo near Bigland in winter 1937–38. Gordon Childe and Walter Grant excavated in 1938 and 1946, finding at least seven stone buildings. [1] [2]
Some buildings stood over earlier remains. Their hearths, stone beds, dressers and drains invite comparison with Skara Brae. [1] [2]
Pottery and daily life
Finds included Grooved Ware pottery and Beaker fragments. The Beakers might suggest occupation into the Bronze Age, but that remains uncertain. [1] [3]
The reports describe how people furnished their homes, cooked and dealt with water. [1] [2]
The site today
The settlement was covered over after excavation ended in 1946. Historic records describe uneven turf and limited exposed stonework. [1] [2]
The excavation reports show much more of the buildings than you can see on the ground. [2] [3]
Find out more
- Rinyo Neolithic settlementNess of Brodgar Project
Discovery, domestic architecture, later pottery and backfilling.
- Trove: Rousay, RinyoHistoric Environment Scotland
The archaeological record, excavation history and dated survey observations.
- Childe and Grant: Rinyo excavation reportSociety of Antiquaries of Scotland
The original first report, published in volume 73 (1939), pages 6–31.
Researched by Stay Rousay. Sources checked .