Rousay
One of the more accessible northern Orkney isles, Rousay is home to a number of intriguing prehistoric sites.
Rousay is today home to little more than 200 people, having suffered Highland-style clearances in the 19th century. The history of the island goes back a good deal longer: the chambered cairn Taversoe Tuick dates back to 3500BC. There is further evidence of ancient habitation at Blackhammer Cairn and Knowe of Yarso. Westness Walk is a heritage trail that takes in the immense burial chamber Midhowe Cairn, known as 'the great ship of death'. The fortified family house of Midhowe Broch is Rousays finest archaeological site.
