Grey Cairns of Camster

The cairns demonstrate the complexity of Neolithic architecture, with central burial chambers accessed through narrow passages from the outside.

They were excavated and restored by Historic Environment Scotland in the late 20th century and are open to the public.

[2] The cairns are just west of a minor road built in the 19th century to link Watten and Lybster.

The west chamber consists of two compartments, each delineated by upright portal stones standing 2 m (6.6 ft) high.

[2] Its form may be similar to that of the original separate round cairns that were later amalgamated into Camster Long.

When it was excavated, archaeologists found that the floor of the cairn was composed of a 0.3 metres (1 ft 0 in) deep layer of black earth, ash and burnt bones.

[7] Between 1966 and 1968, limited studies were carried out by P. R. Ritchie, where some debris was removed and preparatory work was done for the purpose of conservation.