What is special about Taversoe Tuick?
Taversoe Tuick is a Neolithic tomb with chambers on two levels, reached by a short walk about half a mile west of Rousay Pier. A ladder connects the levels, and a small separate chamber lies downhill. Read the visitor details below to judge the access for your group.
Discovery and excavation
The cairn was discovered in 1898 during work on a sheltered seat for the Burroughs family. Walter Grant’s 1937 excavation confirmed its two levels and revealed the separate chamber downhill. [1]
Each main chamber originally had its own entrance passage. [1]
The two levels
Only one other Orcadian cairn is known to have chambers on two levels: Huntersquoy on Eday. Here, a modern opening and ladder show how the spaces fit together. [1] [2]
The site today
Taversoe Tuick lies around half a mile west of Rousay pier. [3] [4]
The lower chamber is small and reached by ladder. The published plans help you picture the original arrangement. [2]
Midhowe’s long chamber and Blackhammer’s patterned walls offer other examples of Rousay’s cairns.
Find out more
- Taversoe Tuick: discovery and excavationNess of Brodgar Project
The 1898 discovery and subsequent investigation.
- Taversoe Tuick: the lower chamberNess of Brodgar Project
The stacked chambers, roof construction and modern access.
- Taversoe Tuick: prices and opening timesHistoric Environment Scotland
Current opening and admission information.
- Taversoe Tuick: getting hereHistoric Environment Scotland
Official location and directions.
Researched by Stay Rousay. Sources checked .