Description

The monument consists of the disturbed remains of a chambered cairn constructed during the Neolithic period (c.3800-2000BC). The smaller cairn material has been removed exposing the setting of the chamber which measures 6.2m E-W by 1.1m N-S. The chamber, slightly raised on a circular mound, still has seven slabs "in situ", four on the N side and three on the S. There is a large prostrate stone (1.5m by 0.9m), possibly a capstone on the E side of the chamber.

Another large stone located at the W end of the passage appears to have been broken, the resulting portion having been moved E against the capstone. Most of the cairn material has been moved W and N off the chamber where it is spread out over a considerable area. The overall exterior measurement of the cairn as it survives is approximately 29m N-S by 24m E-W.

In recent years some of the stones have been organised by peat-cutters into circular "bothan" for shelter. The area to be scheduled is irregular, measuring a maximum of 120m N- S by 90m E-W to include the cairn and a surrounding area which may contain archaeological evidence associated with the construction and use of the site.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a good, although somewhat disturbed, example of a chambered cairn. It forms part of a group of ritual structures located in the Eye Peninsula and its investigation through excavation may tell us more about the burial practices and society of the Neolithic community who built it.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NB 53 NW 1.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland