Description

The monument comprises a cairn of prehistoric date, visible as a stony mound partially overgrown with turf. Cairns of this type are funerary monuments dating to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c.2000-1500BC).

The monument lies at about 205m O.D. on the north-eastern slope of Balmanno Hill. From this position it commands extensive views of the surrounding countryside, and can also be clearly seen from the valley below. The cairn survives as a grass-covered, stony, flat-topped mound, 1.8m high. It is sub-circular on plan, measuring 17m N-S by 16m E-W. Despite some disturbance on its summit, the body of the cairn survives predominantly intact and there is no visible trace of internal features such as cists.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is circular in plan and measures 30m in diameter as marked on the accompanying map extract.

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. The body of the cairn may also seal prehistoric soil layers that could contain evidence relating to environmental conditions at the time the cairn was built.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 11 SW 1.

Reference:

Ordnance Survey (Name Book) Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey, Book No. 21, 11.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland