Shetland: A visit to the Stanydale Temple

A small group from the symposium made a quick visit to a remarkable and enigmatic structure known as the Stanydale Temple. This large stone building was originally roofed, but it is not typical of houses nearby. It has some features which are reminiscent of local chambered tombs collectively known as heel-shaped cairns. It seems most likely to be Neolithic or Early Bronze Age in date, and is associated with more typical prehistoric houses and field systems.

Above: Stanydale Temple from the outside (Photo: Aaron Watson, 2019)

Above: Looking through the narrow entrance into the Stanydale Temple (Photo: Aaron Watson, 2019)

Above: Large stones defining the walls of the Stanydale Temple, looking towards the entrance (Photo: Aaron Watson, 2019)

Above: Recesses in the walls of the Stanydale Temple are visible in this view. The stones in the middle of the floor mark the locations of posts which likely supported a roof (Photo: Aaron Watson, 2019)

On our way back to Lerwick, we also visited the remains of a heel-shaped cairn with panoramic views.

Above: Duncan Garrow, Mike Parker Pearson, and Colin Richards at the heel-shaped cairn (Photo: Aaron Watson, 2019)