Description

The monument comprises the remains of two cairns, burial monuments dating from the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age (around 2500 - 1500 BC), visible as two stony mounds.

The cairns lie at around 10m OD on a promontory, the eastern side of which forms one side of a natural harbour. The more northerly cairn measures 8.0m in diameter and is 0.6m high. Kerbstones are visible intermittently around the periphery. The summit of the cairn has been disturbed by the construction of the burial enclosure of the MacEwans of Muck and is marked by a circle of stones on edge 3.0m in diameter. 20m to the SSE is the second cairn, visible as a peat-covered stony mound c. 5.5m in diameter and 0.4m high.

The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is rectangular on plan and measures 55m N-S by 45m E-W, as shown in red on the accompanying map extract. That part of the central area of the N cairn which has been disturbed by the MacEwan family burials is excluded from scheduling to allow the continuation of this tradition.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric funerary and ritual practices. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NM48SW 1.

References:

RCAHMS 1928, NINTH REPORT WITH INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES, SKYE AND THE SMALL ISLES, Edinburgh, 221, No. 692.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland