Knowe of Lairo: Neolithic Chambered Cairn on Rousay, Orkney

Explore the ancient long-horned chambered cairn of Knowe of Lairo on Rousay, a Neolithic marvel overlooking Eynhallow Sound in Orkney.

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Knowe of Lairo

The Knowe of Lairo is a striking Neolithic chambered cairn located on the island of Rousay in Orkney. Dating back over 5,000 years, it features a distinctive long-horned design with a towering burial chamber and complex architectural details. Situated on a hillside overlooking Eynhallow Sound, this enigmatic site offers insight into prehistoric burial practices and the cultural landscape of ancient Orkney.

A brief summary to Knowe of Lairo

island of Rousay, Orkney, GB
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

Access to the interior is restricted due to structural safety; seek permission if you wish to explore inside.
Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain, as the site lacks formal paths and signage.
Visit in clear weather to fully appreciate the panoramic views over Eynhallow Sound and surrounding landscape.
Combine your visit with nearby Neolithic sites on Rousay for a comprehensive prehistoric experience.

Getting There

Bus

Take the local bus service from Kirkwall to Rousay ferry terminal, approximately 30–40 minutes. From the ferry terminal, Knowe of Lairo is accessible by a 20-minute walk over uneven terrain. Bus services run several times daily with fares around £5–£8 GBP one way.
Ferry and Walking

From Mainland Orkney, board the Rousay ferry at Tingwall, a 20-minute crossing. Upon arrival, a 20-minute walk over rural paths leads to the site. The ferry operates multiple daily crossings costing approximately £6–£10 GBP per passenger.
Car and Walking

Drive to the ferry terminal at Tingwall on Mainland Orkney, park in designated areas (parking is free but limited), then take the ferry to Rousay. After disembarking, walk about 20 minutes on uneven ground to reach the cairn. Note that roads on Rousay are narrow and rural.

Knowe of Lairo location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Knowe of Lairo

Ancient Origins and Architectural Significance

The Knowe of Lairo is a remarkable example of a Neolithic chambered cairn, constructed around 5,000 years ago on the island of Rousay, part of the Orkney archipelago. It belongs to a cluster of three large cairns on a hillside overlooking Eynhallow Sound, with the Knowe of Ramsay and Knowe of Yarso nearby. The cairn is notable for its long-horned design, characterized by projecting "horns" that create a semi-enclosed forecourt, a feature unique to some Orkney cairns. Its eastern end is conspicuously broader and higher, reaching an internal chamber height of approximately 13½ feet, which is exceptional among similar monuments.

Excavation History and Structural Details

Excavated partially in 1936 by Walter Grant and David Wilson, the Knowe of Lairo revealed a complex interior with a lintelled passageway leading into a vaulted chamber. The passage expands vertically and laterally, supported by massive lintels and secondary walling to reinforce the structure. Ingenious architectural features include transverse slabs acting like rafter tie-beams to stabilize the chamber walls, an early example of construction techniques later seen in Pictish brochs. Despite these reinforcements, some internal walls have collapsed inward over time. Finds include a stone axe, pottery sherds, and human remains, including skulls now held in museums, indicating its use as a burial site.

Cultural Context and Neolithic Life

The Knowe of Lairo is part of the rich Neolithic heritage of Orkney, a region renowned for its concentration of prehistoric monuments. This period was marked by the construction of monumental tombs and ceremonial sites reflecting complex social and spiritual beliefs. The horned cairn design may symbolize territorial or ritual significance, with the cairn serving as a focus for ancestor worship or community identity. The presence of few human bones compared to other cairns suggests varied burial practices or secondary use over time.

Setting and Landscape Influence

Perched on a terrace about 60 feet above sea level, the Knowe of Lairo commands views over Eynhallow Sound and the surrounding seascape. Its location below the Knowes of Ramsay and Yarso situates it within a dramatic natural setting that enhances its monumental presence. The cairn’s positioning on the edge of a hill terrace reflects deliberate placement in the landscape, integrating natural and constructed elements to convey power and permanence.

Access and Preservation

The Knowe of Lairo is on private land, and due to structural concerns, interior access is restricted without permission. Unlike other Orkney sites managed by heritage authorities, it lacks formal signage and easy paths, requiring determination to visit. Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the cairn’s stability while respecting its archaeological significance. Photographs and records from the 1936 excavation provide valuable documentation of its original state.

Legacy and Archaeological Importance

As one of Orkney’s Neolithic enigmas, the Knowe of Lairo contributes to understanding prehistoric monumentality and social dynamics in northern Scotland. Its architectural innovations anticipate later building styles, and its enigmatic features continue to inspire archaeological research. The site embodies the deep historical roots of Orkney’s cultural landscape, inviting reflection on ancient human connections to place and memory.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Knowe of Lairo: Neolithic Chambered Cairn on Rousay, Orkney

A brief summary to Knowe of Lairo

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Ferry and Walking

Car and Walking

Knowe of Lairo location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Knowe of Lairo

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Knowe of Lairo

Ancient Origins and Architectural Significance

Excavation History and Structural Details

Cultural Context and Neolithic Life

Setting and Landscape Influence

Access and Preservation

Legacy and Archaeological Importance

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Cannon

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

Churchill Barriers

John O'Groats Signpost

Duncansby Head Lighthouse

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

The Castle & Gardens of Mey

Duncansby Stacks

Above and Beyond Tours

Mary Ann's Cottage

Bucholie Castle

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Caithness Broch Centre

Harold’s Tower

Unmissable attractions to see

Knowe Of Yarso

Broch of Gurness

Taversöe Tuick

Midhowe Tomb & Chambered Cairn

Midhowe Broch

Quern of Whisber

Knoe of Scabra

Hole of the Horses

RSPB Birsay Moors

Rendall Doocot

RSPB Scotland Cottascarth

Kirbuster Farm Museum

Castaway Crafts

Longaglebe Geo

HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt)

Essential places to dine

Eviedale Bistro & Bakehouse

The Skerries Restaurant

The Smithy Cafe

Leigh's Real Taste of Orkney

The Shore

Helgi's

Dil Se Restaurant

Busters Diner

Bothy Bar

Pomona Cafe

Twenty One

Trenabies Cafe Bistro

The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms

Empire Chinese Restaurant

Lucano

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Woolshed

Orkney Antique Centre

Orkney Souvenirs

Anchor Shopping Centre

Heksmoar

The Orcadian Bookshop

St Colms Cafe & Crafts

Poundstretcher

Kairds

Logo Orkney

Starlings