The Unstan Cairn is unusual because it is a circular stalled cairn combining different cairn styles. Large slabs of Orkney flagstone divide up the main chamber into stalls - a feature typical of many of Orkney's stalled cairns. However, unlike most of these, which tend to be oblong or rectangular, Unstan is circular.
Entrance is through an approximately 25 foot entrance low passageway. Once inside the 27-1/2 foot main chamber, split into five sections by vertical slabs of flagstone - three central stalls and two shelved end-compartments -- the visitor can stand.
About Unstan
Orkneyjar: Unstan Cairn
Undiscovered Scotland: Unstan Cairn
Megalithic Portal: Unstan (Onston, Knowe of Onston)
Orkneyjar: Orkney's Chambered Cairns
Wikipedia: Unstan Ware
Journey to Unstan
The Unstan Cairn is located off the main Stromess-Kirkwall road (A965) 3-1/2 miles northeast of the town of Stromness, Mainland, Orkney, Scotland.
Ordnance Survey Map (HY283117)
Visitors Information
Visitors information may be found on the Historic Scotland website. General tourist information for Orkney may be found on the Visit Orkney website.
Additional Photos of the Stones of Stenness
Descriptive Sign at Unstan Cairn
Pathway to Unstan Cairn
Entrance to Unstan Cairn
Close-Up of Entrance to Unstan Cairn
End of Main Chamber, Unstan Cairn
Close-Up of Flagstone, Unstan Cairn
Side Chamber, Unstan Cairn
Unstan Cairn with the Loch of Stenness in the Background
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