Visitors to a rich piece of North Ayrshire history will now enjoy learning more about one the region’s most historically valuable sites.

That’s because a new interpretation board has been added to the site of the Haylie Neolithic Tomb in Largs.

Earlier this week, North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson was joined by fellow councillors and partners at Haylie Neolithic Tomb in Largs for the unveiling of a new board.

Created in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, Largs Museum volunteers and the North Ayrshire Council Heritage Team, the board tells the story of the tomb which is over 5,000 years old.

The 5,660-year-old Neolithic tomb was built more than one thousand years before the first Egyptian pyramid and Stonehenge. It is the resting place of the earliest known community of people to settle here in Largs and is one of the most historically valuable sites in North Ayrshire.

The tomb was constructed from large sandstone and quartz stones, overlaid with huge capstones and the entire structure was then covered in a mound of smaller stones.

Those in attendance on Monday were treated to a talk from Archaeology Scotland’s Phil Richardson on the historic significance of the tomb and were able to chat to Simon McGrory from Historic Environment Scotland too.

Also present were the ‘Tombsters’, a group of local volunteers who will help to maintain the foliage at site going forward and report any issues that may crop up. This is in preparation for the installation of a brand new path at the site, which will be created in the coming months.

“The interpretation board is a fantastic addition and we hope the new sign and the upcoming new path help raise awareness of this fascinating piece of North Ayrshire’s history.”

If you’d like to learn more about the tomb, you can do so at the North Ayrshire Heritage website

Published: 28 May 2025