Maes Howe
(Maeshowe)

One of the most outstanding Neolithic tombs in Great Britain, Maes Howe is situated near the southeastern end of the Loch of Harray, just off the main road between Kirkwall and Stromness in the Orkney Isles. Measuring 35m (115 feet) in diameter at the base and 7.3m (24 feet) in height, the tomb is surrounded by a broad ditch. The entrance leads through a passage way to a lofty inner chamber, the entire structure being built of large stones weighing up to 30 tonnes. The tomb was constructed before 2700 BC, but it contains two dozen runic inscriptions dating from a much later period of Viking occupation.

Maes Howe is recognised as part of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, designated in 1999.

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