Description

The monument comprises a chambered cairn dating to the Neolithic (4,100 BC – 2,500 BC) with evidence of reuse in the Bronze Age (2,500 BC – 800 BC). It is visible as a low mound of cobbled sized stones within which is the exposed chamber. The cairn is located on the south facing side of a ridge at approximately 125m above sea level. 

The cairn measures approximately 22m in diameter and stands about 1m high but originally would have had a covering of cairn material. The central rectangular chamber measures 3m long and 1.8m wide and is orientated east-northeast to south-southwest. It is constructed of upright slabs with the rearmost being a notably large triangular slab. The chamber is divided into two compartments reached by a passage.

The scheduled area is circular with a diameter of 70m. 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.

Above ground elements of all current post and wire fencing are excluded to allow for their maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument contributes significantly to our understanding and appreciation of the past as a chambered cairn dating to the Neolithic (4,100 BC – 2,500 BC) with evidence of reuse in the early Bronze Age and Bronze Age (2,500 BC – 800 BC). The monument was originally much larger, but much of the cairn material (cobble sized stones) has been robbed. However, the cairn retains significant structural and physical remains in the form of a burial chamber with two compartments, comprised of upright slabs, a passage and a spread of cairn material. There is also the potential for buried archaeological structures, deposits, and artefacts to survive. These can tell us about prehistoric life, in particular the development of ritual and funerary practices, diet, technology and the migration of ancient populations. It is part of a wider classification of Orkney-Cromarty passage tombs and the monument is a good representative example of its type. It is a recognisable feature in the landscape and part of a group of at least 5 cairns in the immediate area. There is the potential for these monuments to be studied together in order to better understand their distribution, development overtime, relation to their wider landscape setting and prehistoric land use. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Historic Environment Scotland http://www.canmore.org.uk reference number CANMORE ID 12837 (accessed on 10/09/2024).

Local Authority HER/SMR Reference MHG9014 (accessed on 10/09/2024).

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/12837/

HER/SMR Reference

MHG9014

Source: Historic Environment Scotland