Victorian Books, Rambles in the Far North

At Quoyness, in Elsness, there is what appears to be a large brough [Quoyness Chambered Cairn [Map]] — a mound which was opened in the summer of 1867 by Mr. Farrer, M.P. At the present time its diameter is about 63 feet, and its height 12½ feet. Inside a building about 32 feet in diameter several cists were found. A passage about 12 feet long by 21 inches wide — of a nature similar to that at Maes-Howe — runs along from the south-east side of the mound. A number of decayed human skulls, which do not seem to have belonged to a very high type of man, were found here. In the course of the excavations many decayed bones were turned up. Four cists of a semi-circular shape were discovered within this brough — two of which contained skulls and a few human bones. The other two were empty. Three other cists of smaller dimensions and containing human remains were discovered. Some of the teeth found in them still preserved the enamel, and others bore evidenceto the fact that toothache must have made itself felt amongst that ancient people. In the midst of the rubbish a bone dagger, 7 inches long, a battle-axe of basalt, and a stone used for pounding corn, were found. One of the thigh bones measured 17½ inches long, and was fairly well preserved. It is not yet precisely ascertained whether this mound was originally a burial place or not. Some of the excavated bones were forwarded by Mr. Farrer to Dr. Thurnam of Devizes ; but that learned gentleman could only say they were of great antiquity — some male, some female, and some of children. Standing stones, Picts ' houses, and tumuli, are to be seen in almost every island of any size, and afford food for reflection to all who have a taste for such antiquarian relics.