Description

The monument comprises a circular chambered cairn, a funerary and ritual monument dating from the Neolithic period (c.4000-2000 BC).

The cairn lies at around 25m OD on gently sloping land close to the shore. It is circular, approximately 28m in diameter and stands roughly 3m high. The cairn material has been slightly disturbed, but there is no evidence of major stone-robbing or excavation. At least four massive stones are partially visible within the body of the cairn on the E side, and these probably indicate the position of the chamber or its entrance passage. A possible peristalith (ring of large stones around outer perimeter) has also been recorded on the S and W sides of the cairn, overlain with slumped cairn material.

The area to be scheduled is a circle, measuring 50m in diameter, centred on the cairn, to include the cairn and an area around it where evidence relating to its construction and use may be expected to survive. This area is marked in red on the accompanying map extract. The above-ground elements of the stock fence which runs through the scheduled area are specifically excluded from the scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well preserved example of a chambered cairn, which has the potential to contribute to our understanding of Neolithic funerary and ritual practices. As the cairn appears to have suffered little disturbance, it may contain original funerary deposits and preserve important contemporary environmental evidence.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NG 33 NW 10.

Reference:

Henshall, A. S. (1972) The chambered tombs of Scotland, Vol. 2, 488-9, SKY 8, Edinburgh.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland