The hillside facing you as you approach on the ferry is peppered with archaeological wonders. These include at least five chambered burial tombs, dating to the Neolithic (new Stone Age). Three of these are visible from the boat and are open to the public, from left to right they are: Knowe of Yarso, Blackhammer and Taversoe Tuick. The latter is particularly unusual as it is double-storeyed. The sunrise at the winter solstice on the west side of Gairsay illuminates the Taversoe Tuick chambered tomb (Julie Gibson pers. comm).
Photos courtesy of Bobby Friel
