Whalsay, Ward Of Symbister Ness
Chambered Cairn (Neolithic), Marker Cairn (Post Medieval)
Site Name Whalsay, Ward Of Symbister Ness
Classification Chambered Cairn (Neolithic), Marker Cairn (Post Medieval)
Canmore ID 1343
Site Number HU56SW 1
NGR HU 53399 62021
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/1343
- Council Shetland Islands
- Parish Nesting
- Former Region Shetland Islands Area
- Former District Shetland
- Former County Shetland
HU56SW 1 5340 6202.
(HU 5438 6200) Cairn (OE)
OS 6" map, Shetland, 2nd ed., (1903).
The remains of a heel-shaped, chambered cairn, ('Ward of Symbister Ness') the plan of which can be traced by the remains of its facing wall. There is a considerable amount of cairn material outside the facing-wall, and a modern marker-cairn has been built at the centre, presumably over the position of the chamber.
A S Henshall 1963, visited 1959.
Cairn, c.0.7m high, as described and planned by Henshall.
Re-surveyed at 1/2500.
Visited by OS (RL) 22 May 1968.
Field Visit (13 September 1930)
Cairn, Ward of Symbister Ness.
On the highest point of the hill known as the Ward of Symbister Ness, which rises slightly more than 100 ft. above the sea, is a ruined cairn. It is said to have been adapted at one time for use as a datum point by the Admiralty, but is now only a scattered heap of fairly large stones, marked by no features of special interest. The present appearance of the ruins suggests that the original structure was roughly pear shaped, and that it measured about 45 ft. by 35 ft., this breadth being taken in the N. part, where it is broadest. It must have been at least 3 ft. 6 in. high.
RCAHMS1946, visited 13 September 1930
OS 6" map, Shetland, 2nd ed., (1903).
