The earlier tombs are within the forest area, near the boundary of the early town.

The upper level resembles the earlier rock-cut tombs found elsewhere on the Islands.

The early tombs consisted of a deep rectangular shaft with one or two chambers dug from its sides.

It is stated to be the earliest dated tomb of the Lodi period.

The earliest existing tomb in the churchyard belongs to the Strugell family and dates from 1551.

An earlier chambered tomb on the site dates to the period between 4100 and 3800 BC.

Evidence of human sacrifices exists in the early tombs, but this practice was changed into symbolic offerings later.

One of these early dynastic tombs is referred to as the Covington tomb.

If so, this would be one of the earliest tombs in the valley.

The earliest tombs in Scotland are now lost.