The tomb was largely destroyed by Victorian antiquarians 127 years ago (Picture: NMS/Cardiff University)
Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of a 5,000-year-old tomb in Orkney where 14 skeletons of men, women and children have been found.
The Neolithic site has been found at Holm, East Mainland, by experts from National Museums Scotland (NMS) and Cardiff University.
It was largely destroyed by Victorian antiquarians 127 years ago but despite this individual pieces of human bone have been found.
Pottery, stone tools and a pin carved from bone was also found by local volunteers working with the University of Central Lancashire.
Traces of a stone cairn 15m (49ft) in diameter, which had contained a 7m-long (23ft) passage were also discovered following the three-week excavation.
The archaeologists said a stone chamber lay at the centre of the cairn, and this was surrounded by six smaller cells.
This type of tomb is believed to have only been recorded 12 other times in Orkney.
Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark, of NMS, one of those who led the excavation, said: ‘Orkney is exceptionally rich in archaeology, but we never expected to find a tomb of this size in a such a small-scale excavation.
Pottery, stone tools and a pin carved from bone was also found by local volunteers (Picture: NMS/Cardiff University)
‘It’s incredible to think this once impressive monument was nearly lost without record, but fortunately just enough stonework has survived for us to be able understand the size, form and construction of this tomb.’
Professor Vicki Cummings, who also led the excavation, said: ‘The preservation of so many human remains in one part of the monument is amazing, especially since the stone has been mostly robbed for building material.
‘It is incredibly rare to find these tomb deposits, even in well-preserved chambered tombs and these remains will enable new insights into all aspects of these peoples’ lives.’
The Orkney Islands are famed for its Neolithic archaeology and are considered to be the ‘pinnacle’ of Neolithic engineering in Scotland.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Other rare finds have also been discovered in the tomb.