Head of Work
On the Head of Work , a headland northeast of Kirk Wall , for a located Orkney unusual horned cairn ( English horned cairn ) of 50 m long and 15 m wide. Such cairns with curved continuations (horns) at the ends are common on the Scottish mainland ( Camster ) and somewhat modified on the Shetlands ( heel-shaped cairn ). The cairn has not been excavated, but several upright stones and sections of masonry are visible.
The farm name Work comes from the Old Norse “Virki” for fortification. The place on which the work farm was built was probably a worn brochure . There is a good view of Shapinsay Island from here .
To the west of the Head of Work is the headland Carness, from Old Norse Kalladarnes, (promontory) with flak positions that protected the city of Kirkwall during World War II .
literature
- Charles Tait: The Orkney Guide Book. Edition 2.1. C. Tait, Kelton - St. Ola - Orkney 1999, ISBN 0-9517859-0-7 , p. 86.
Coordinates: 59 ° 0 ′ 30.2 " N , 2 ° 54 ′ 4" W.