The Kist

Island in Orkney

Scotland

The Kist

Scapa Flow Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961. — Scapa Flow Credit: Graeme Yuill

The Kist is a small, uninhabited island located in the Orkney archipelago, off the north coast of Scotland. It is situated in the North Sea, approximately 25 miles northeast of the Orkney mainland. The island measures around 1.5 miles in length and has a rugged coastline with steep cliffs and rocky shores.

The Kist is known for its archaeological significance, particularly its chambered cairn, which is one of the oldest and best-preserved in Orkney. The cairn, also known as "The Kist," is a burial mound dating back to the Neolithic period, around 5,000 years ago. It consists of a central chamber with several compartments and a passage leading to the entrance.

Excavations of The Kist have unearthed a wealth of artifacts and human remains, providing valuable insights into the lives and burial practices of the Neolithic people. Pottery, tools, and animal bones have been discovered, suggesting a complex and sophisticated society.

Due to its archaeological significance, The Kist is protected as a scheduled ancient monument, and access to the island is restricted. However, visitors can admire the island from the sea, with boat trips available from nearby Orkney mainland.

The Kist, with its ancient burial mound and artifacts, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of Orkney and the people who inhabited the islands thousands of years ago. It is a site of great historical and cultural importance, attracting archaeologists, historians, and visitors interested in the region's rich heritage.

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The Kist Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.767402/-2.9813095 or Grid Reference ND4387. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Scapa Flow

Seen from Olaf summit viewpoint on the A961.

Graeme Yuill

Eastward House, A961 near Barswick, South Ronaldsay

Built in 1873 by local residents for the Church of Scotland, it is now (2014) a home offering B & B.

Jo and Steve Turner

View west from the Olad summit viewpoint

Marred by rain

Eirian Evans

Farmland, Mossetter

Eirian Evans

Loch of Lythe

Small loch near Ossquoy, the farm on the right

Eirian Evans

Tomison's Academy

Founded under the will of William Tomison (1739-1829) of the Hudson's Bay Company. This former school is now empty and the adjacent buildings falling into dereliction

Eirian Evans

Road to somewhere

Beda Itin

Aerial view of southern South Ronaldsay

Taken from a flight to Shetland via Orkney this is the southern end of the southernmost of the main islands of Orkney, South Ronaldsay. Obviously aerial photos such as this cover many squares, so I have taken the subject reference as Barth Head, which is the little sticky-out point nearest the camera.

Rob Farrow

Towards Upper Serrigar

Extensive views of coastal scenery are available almost everywhere on the Orkney Islands and especially on South Ronaldsay.

Peter Church

Viewpoint on Olad Hill

The headland straight ahead is The Nev. A rain shower is sweeping in from the left.

Bill Boaden

Grassland on Olad Hill

Looking towards Ward Hill, with a sharp rain shower just starting. Several of the islands have a Ward Hill, signifying a good place to have a beacon.

Bill Boaden

The deserted croft of Greenvale

Deserted and derelict.

Ian Balcombe

Inside Greenvale

Looking into one of the rooms. A very similar atmosphere as in those on Swona, which Greenvale overlooks.

Ian Balcombe

Greenvale

Possibly the original dwelling. Swona on the horizon in the background.

Ian Balcombe

The Haven, Barswick

On Sundays, the inhabitants of Swona used to cross to South Ronaldsay in an open boat and would land here. This building is where they would then change into "Sunday Best" before walking across the fields to the kirk (ND441856). After the service, the process was reversed. What people!

Ian Balcombe