Description

The monuments comprises two settings of standing stones 600m apart. One is certainly, while the other is probably, the remains of a four stone setting of the type known as a 'four-poster', dating from the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age. The first stone setting comprises three sandstone blocks. A fourth stone probably stood at the NW, although there is no trace of this on the ground. 600m to the WNW lies the setting of two stones. The Old Name Book refers to four stones in 1864. By 1910 only two stones remained. One is a block of white sandstone and the other is of red sandstone. The deliberate use of red and white sandstone in patterns is a feature now recognised as an important element in the construction of late Neolithic/early Bronze Age ceremonial and funerary structures. Recent excavations on ceremonial monuments have shown that activity often extends well beyond the visible remains. A circular area with radius of 20m around both settings is therefore proposed for scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

These two monuments are of national importance because they are examples of a rare and ill-understood class. Although neither is complete and one shows signs of disturbance in its interior, considerable information on the use of the monuments and the areas around will survive. They are of national importance to the theme of prehistoric ceremonial and funerary activity. They are of particular interest because of their proximity to each other. There is no known example of 'four-posters' lying so close together in the SW.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monuments as NR 93 SW 16 and 4.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland