Case study

South Ronaldsay & Burray Development Trust

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Community ambition is creating a new future for a 5,000-year-old archaeological site

When the Tomb of the Eagles closed in 2020, local people saw more than the loss of a visitor attraction. They saw the possible loss of an important part of their community's heritage.

Determined to protect it for future generations, people across South Ronaldsay and Burray came together to reactivate a dormant development trust. That gave them the organisation they needed to bring the Tomb of the Eagles into community ownership and begin an exciting new chapter.

Today, the Trust is doing far more than caring for a remarkable archaeological site. It's creating jobs, attracting visitors, supporting learning and using one of Orkney's most important heritage assets to benefit the whole community.

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A community with a vision

Discovered by local farmers Ronnie and Morgan Simison in 1958, the Tomb of the Eagles became one of Orkney's best-known archaeological attractions thanks to decades of dedication from the Simison family.

Following the site's closure in 2020, community members rallied together to secure its future. After years of planning, fundraising and partnership working, the Tomb officially came into community ownership on 1 September 2025.

Today, visitors can explore the site through guided ranger tours and discover one of Europe's most significant Neolithic monuments. Income generated is reinvested into the Tomb and future community projects, while partnerships with archaeologists, UHI and local organisations are helping develop new interpretation, educational activities and visitor experiences.

Community support remains central to everything the Trust does. More than 300 people attended its welcome day in May 2026, celebrating both the future of the Tomb and the remarkable legacy of the Simison family.

The Trust is now looking ahead, with plans to improve accessibility through a replica tomb, expand opportunities for schools and volunteers, and develop the site as a place where heritage, education and community life come together.

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Building on success with HIE support

Bringing the Tomb of the Eagles into community ownership was a huge achievement led by local people and made possible with support from a range of partners.

HIE's Community Assets team supported the Trust through its successful Scottish Land Fund application. The National Lottery Heritage Fund helped secure the acquisition and funded the Tomb's first year of operational staff, while Orkney Islands Council provided grants, including support for specialist consultants to help the Trust establish and develop the organisation.

Community ownership, however, was only the beginning.

We want it to become a place that connects our prehistoric past with our present-day community while creating opportunities for future generations.

Erin Vance, CDO, South Ronaldsay & Burray Development Trust
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Dedicated Community Development Officer

As the Trust looked to the future, the challenge became building the capacity needed to make the project a long-term success.

HIE began supporting a dedicated Community Development Officer in 2025 through funding from the Scottish Government's Strengthening Communities programme. That support will continue until 2028, helping the Trust move from successfully acquiring a community asset to delivering lasting benefits for local people.

The Community Development Officer provides the capacity to strengthen governance, secure funding, build partnerships and coordinate projects, allowing trustees to focus on leading the organisation while turning ambition into action.

Alongside funding, the Trust also benefits from HIE's wider support through the Orkney Community Development Officer network, providing opportunities to share ideas, learn from other organisations and access advice as new opportunities emerge.

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Looking ahead

The Trust believes community ownership gives local people the opportunity to shape development around what matters most to them.

Alongside plans for the Tomb of the Eagles, it is developing a Local Place Plan to help identify future priorities for South Ronaldsay and Burray. It also wants to create more opportunities for young people through volunteering, ranger services and skills development.

By bringing together heritage, education, tourism and community development, the Trust hopes the Tomb of the Eagles will become a catalyst for wider community regeneration.

Community Q&A

Developing your own project? Here is some advice from South Ronaldsay and Burray Trust.

Owning a major community asset brings new responsibilities. A dedicated Community Development Officer provides the capacity needed to develop projects, secure funding, build partnerships, strengthen governance and keep momentum going while trustees focus on strategic leadership.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes and learn as you go. Community projects succeed because of people. Build a team with a mix of passion, practical skills and local knowledge, and don't hesitate to seek support from organisations that can help.

Community organisations understand the needs of local people better than anyone. They can protect important local assets, create opportunities for future generations and give communities a stronger voice in shaping their own future.

Future plans include improving accessibility through a replica tomb, expanding educational programmes, supporting volunteers, developing new visitor experiences and using the Local Place Plan to shape wider community priorities for South Ronaldsay and Burray.

The Trust’s work is nothing short of inspiring. They're creating opportunities for learning, volunteering, employment and community development that will benefit local people for years to come.

Shona Flanagan, development manager, HIE

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