Kathleen MacLeod welcomes visitors keen to find out more about the Tomb of the Eagles.
MY family’s destiny changed dramatically in 1958 when my father, Ronnie Simison, discovered two ancient sites while working on his farm in South Ronaldsay in the Orkneys. From then on, things were never quite the same for us!
Dad watched in fascination when archaeologists excavated that first find, a 2,500-year-old Bronze Age site. All the time he was learning how to work on his other find – a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb. Once confident, he carried out his own dig there.
Among the things uncovered was a burial area with human remains, along with stone tools which shed light on the day-to-day life of the people who once lived here.
Dad also found many items which we presume were left for use in the afterlife. The talons and bones of several white-tailed sea-eagles had been placed inside, too, hence the name “Tomb of the Eagles”.
People were curious to find out more, and it was opened up to the public with a dedicated visitor centre.
As manager of a 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb, I can safely say my working day is never boring!
This story is from the Issue 139 edition of People’s Friend Specials.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 139 edition of People’s Friend Specials.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Perfect Day
A woman takes stock in this poignant short story by Annie Harris.
How We Used To Live
For a taste of life over a hundred years ago, Pat Coulter travels to a living museum in Devon.
Together, We Will Make A Huge Difference
Susie Kearley finds out about the father and son team whose mission is elephant conservation.
Local Heroes
Douglas McPherson visits a museum that remembers the brave American airmen from World War II.
Now You See Her
The shores of Loch Ness are often crowded with people hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie . . .
The Colour Purple
The bike was very distinctive – until it disappeared!
Skelling Michael
This unique Irish heritage site has scarcely changed for several hundred years. Steve Newman braved the crossing to find out more.
A New Direction
It’s time to move forward in this uplifting short story by Keith Havers.Gavin’s travel plans were on hold –just like the rest of his life . . .
Scatterbrain
Ewan Smith’s light-hearted short story has a very forgetful heroine. I had come to the supermarket to pick something up, but I couldn’t remember what . . .
We've Always Sensed It To Be A Spiritual Place
Kathleen MacLeod welcomes visitors keen to find out more about the Tomb of the Eagles.
