Scheduled MonumentsScotlandDwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy
Rock-cut tomb, hoy

Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy

Scotland
HES SM90122
Site type
Rock-cut tomb, hoy
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Dwarfie Stane is a rock-cut tomb located on the island of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland, and represents one of the most unusual and distinctive megalithic monuments in the British Isles. Carved from a single large block of sandstone, the monument dates to the Neolithic period and comprises an entrance passage leading to a central chamber with two small side cells. The tomb's construction technique, involving the hollowing of the stone rather than the assembly of separate elements, marks it as archaeologically exceptional and suggests a period of sustained labour by its builders. The site has been subject to various interpretations regarding its ritual and mortuary function, though its precise original purpose remains a matter of scholarly discussion.

Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90122. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy?

Dwarfie Stane is a rock-cut tomb located on the island of Hoy in Orkney, Scotland, and represents one of the most unusual and distinctive megalithic monuments in the British Isles. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90122.

Who is responsible for protecting Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy?

Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90122.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dwarfie Stane, rock-cut tomb, Hoy?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Whaness Burn, enclosed settlement 1420m NNE of Dwarfie Stane, Hoy (1.4 km), Whaness Burn, enclosure 1620m NNE of Dwarfie Stane, Hoy (1.6 km), Whaness Burn, enclosure 1680m NNE of Dwarfie Stane, Hoy (1.7 km).

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