Description

The monument consists of a large number of prehistoric field clearance cairns, between which may survive the remains of timber structures, to the NW of the fields of improved pasture to the NNE of Barnshangan. The cairns measure up to 6m in diameter and up to 1.2m high and consist mainly of small stones. Interspersed with them are a number of cairns of larger stones which are less over grown with turf, probably of medieval or later date.

Although the cairns continue in a thin scatter for c 500m to the NNE, the main concentration is at the SSW end near the modern fields. The area to be scheduled includes the main concentration of cairns and an area around them within which traces of activity associated with their use may be found. It measures a maixmum of 350m NNE-SSW by a maximum of 210m transversely, bounded by, but excluding, the modern dykes to the S, as marked in red on the attached map. The area is crossed by,but excludes, the track to the Knockiebae Lead Mines.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as prehistoric field clearance cairns which have the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of prehistoric settlement and agriculture in the area. It is of particular importance because of the survival of a number of sites of similar date and function in the vicinity; the study of this group has the potential to increase greatly our knowledge of the development and organisation of the prehistoric landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NX 16 NE 9.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland