Region : Shetland Island : Mainland Area : Sandsting Grid Reference : HU 285 502 Period : 3rd millennium BC Stanydale 'TEMPLE', SETTLEMENT

The main feature of this important prehistoric site is this setting, known as the 'temple'. It is a heel-shaped structure measuring 12m x 9m, with a single entrance passage leading to a large oval hall. At the centre there are two stone-lined holes, once probably supporting two massive timber posts for the roof. In the wall (up to 4m thick) there are six alcoves, separated by stone piers. This structure could have been the house of a chieftain, a building for rituals or a community meeting place. Around the footpath leading to the 'temple' there are some cairns and a group of Neolithic houses. One has been excavated: it comprises a single oval chamber with some recesses in the wall and a cell opposite to the entrance. In care of Historic Scotland

Miscellaneous sites ------------------ Achavanich Dwarfie Stane Liddle Stanydale Steinacleit Other sites in Shetland ---------------------- Beorgs of Housetter (Giant's Grave) Busta Clickimin Hamnavoe (Giant's Stones) Jarlshof Loch of Houlland Mousa Ness of Burgi Punds Water Scord of Brouster Skellister (Auld Wife) Stanydale Tingwall (Murder Stone)