The little island of Holm of Papa, off Papa Westray is only about half a mile long. However, this little island has lots to see. At one end are the ruins of houses, at the other a particularly large cairn, with 14 burial cells. Once again, these ruins are about 5000 years old, sweeping us back in time. In between are some very indignant seabirds.
We paddled ashore, past the inquisitive seals, and landed on the slippery seaweed covered rocks.
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| Common Seal, Keeping Watch |
Although ruined, the house was clearly similar to the one we saw the previous day, at Knap of Howar, nearby on Papa Westray.
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| Dwelling With Typical Partitions |
Arctic Terns are pretty little birds but that doesn't stop them getting aggressive when they feel threatened.
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| Rosie Dive-bombed by Arctic Tern |
As usual with these burial cairns, the top has been capped with concrete to protect it. In this roof are basic skylights and an entrance hatch.
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| Holm of Papa Westray Cairn |
Inside the cairn there were crawling mats thoughtfully provided and these were a little less muddy than the ground and certainly softer than the stones.
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| Typical Burial Cell in Tomb |
If there were any ghosts there, we didn't see them but it was still a powerful place.
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Rosie Emerges From The Dark Tomb
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