Solstice ticket deal for Maeshowe visitors
Story dated: December 5, 2007

The darkest days of winter are when the ancient chambered tomb of Maeshowe is at its most enigmatic.

Its Neolithic builders went to great lengths to ensure that something remarkable would happen either side of the winter solstice.

The tomb is orientated so the rays of the setting sun reach in and along the entrance passage and illuminate the main chamber.

Nowadays the story of Maeshowe and the solstice sunset attracts visitors from across the world who wish to experience an event which may have been of immense significance to our ancestors.

This year Historic Scotland, which cares for Maeshowe, is celebrating this remarkable monument with a special ticket offer from December 11, to January 11, 2008.

This ticket allows you to visit up to three times during the period above giving you more opportunity to capture this experience. During this period prices will be £10 for adult ticket £7.50 for concessions and £5.00 for children.

Gillian Crowther, Historic Scotland Visitor Services and Business Development, said: “This is a wonderful annual event which we really want to share with as many people as possible.

“Being inside the tomb as the rays of the sun reach up the passage and start to light up the chamber can be quite breathtaking.”

In order to protect the tomb and ensure the best possible experience for visitors a maximum of 16 people are allowed in at anyone time.