Carving in one of the tombs - photograph by Douglas Hourston

Holm of Papay

A small island accessible only by boat from the old pier - contact Papay Coop for advice.

It is possible that the inhabitants of the Knap of Howar buried their dead here.

There are three ancient chambered cairns on the holm. The most remarkable being on the high ground at the south end of the Holm. This is an elongated version of the Maeshowe type tomb, having no less than 10 single and 2 double side chambers opening off the main chamber. There are markings, not easy to see, including an 'eye brow' motif. This tomb was first excavated in 1849 but no ancient finds were made.

Originally the chamber would have been entered by a low passage midway in the tomb, today one enters by a hatch and ladder through the 1929 concrete roof built to preserve the tomb.

Torches are inside the tomb for visitors use.

You will probably find a large number of seals on the rocks between Papay and the Holm. They consider visitors to be a great curiosity!

Seal pup on the tangles - photograph by Douglas Hourston