Description

The monument comprises a pit-circle and mortuary enclosure of prehistoric date, visible as a series of cropmarks on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies in arable farmland and comprises two pit-defined structures. The first is a setting of 15 closely spaced pits, forming a circle about 10m in internal diameter. Close to the E is a rectilinear structure, also defined by pits, measuring about 15m by 6m; at least one of its ends is clearly rounded.

On the basis of comparison with excavated monuments of similar character, these structures may be expected to relate to Neolithic ritual and funerary activity, dating to the period between around 3500 - 2000 BC. The rectilinear pit-defined enclosure is, on the same basis, most likely to represent a mortuary enclosure.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is circular with a diameter of 90m, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of prehistoric ritual and funerary practices. The mortuary structure, if correctly interpreted, is an example of a very scarce monument type.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 14 SE 48 and 88.

Aerial Photographs used:

RCAHMS (1992) B79630 NO14SE61, 84, 88.

RCAHMS (1992) B79632 NO14SE61, 84, 88.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland