Ancient Monuments

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Cairn o'Mount, cairns

A Scheduled Monument in Mearns, Aberdeenshire

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Coordinates

Latitude: 56.9161 / 56°54'58"N

Longitude: -2.5774 / 2°34'38"W

OS Eastings: 364943

OS Northings: 780684

OS Grid: NO649806

Mapcode National: GBR WZ.LBFX

Mapcode Global: WH8QJ.CFXC

Entry Name: Cairn o'Mount, cairns

Scheduled Date: 18 February 1991

Last Amended: 16 January 2023

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Source ID: SM4968

Schedule Class: Cultural

Category: Prehistoric ritual and funerary: cairn (type uncertain)

Location: Fordoun

County: Aberdeenshire

Electoral Ward: Mearns

Traditional County: Kincardineshire

Description

The monument comprises the remains of two burial cairns dating from the Neolithic (4100 BC – 2500 BC) to Bronze Age (2500 BC – 800 BC). The larger cairn measures approximately 15.5m in diameter and 3.5m high. The smaller cairn lies 50m east southeast and measures approximately 10m in diameter by 0.3m high and has been partially quarried. The monument is located 125m and 175m to the northeast of the summit of Cairn o'Mount.

The scheduled area is in two circular parts; the northwestern  has a diameter of 45m and the east southeastern has a diameter of 25m. It includes the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The the top 300mm of the main track and all above ground elements of fencing are specifically excluded to allow for their maintenance.

  

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well preserved cairn which is also a well known landmark, it has the potential to enhance our understanding of prehistoric burial and ceremonial practices. The second cairn is included because even in its damaged state, more than 50% survives, and the remains of the buried deposits will enhance our understanding of the better preserved cairn, with the potential to increase our knowledge of the development of the relationship of the two cairns. The cairns may be of particular significance because of their spectacular siting.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation


Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/36154/
https://canmore.org.uk/site/36155/


HER/SMR Reference

NO68SW0009
NO68SW0010

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

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