Dwarfie Stane Rock-Cut Tomb, Hoy, Orkney

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The Dwarfie Stane is a large, hollowed-out block of sandstone, close to the cliffs of the Dwarfie Hammars on Hoy, Orkney. It is thought to be the only completely rock-cut prehistoric tomb in the British Isles.

Its interior has been carved into the form of a narrow passage leading to a central chamber, with a small cell on either side. Whilst there is no recorded evidence that it ever contained burials, it is classed as a Neolithic tomb based on its form, which is similar to a ‘Bookan-type’ chambered cairn.

The large stone block that once sealed its entrance lies close by.

Historic graffiti survives both inside and out, and Walter Scott’s The Pirate recounted folk tales of a resident dwarf, as its name implies.

The site is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (HES). It’s open to the public and free to visit. For information on visiting, visit our website. Discover more history of the Dwarfie Stane in the HES Archives.