Description

The monument comprises the remains of a chambered cairn dating to the early Neolithic (4000BC – 3000BC). It is visible as a low oval mound, measuring about 20.7m from northwest to southeast by about 18m. Much of the overlying cairn has been robbed and the remains of two chambers built of large boulders are prominent amongst the surviving cairn material on the northwest and southeast of the cairn. The monument lies on level ground in pasture, at about 20m above sea level.

Small scale excavation has shown that the monument was built in two phases. In its first phase it was a simple chamber covered by a round mound. This chamber survives on the northwest of the cairn and is formed of five upright boulders and a granite capstone. A small passage grave was later added to the southeast side of the cairn and the cairn enlarged. The southeast chamber was entered through a passage measuring about 1.4m in length, 1.1m wide and about 0.9m high. The chamber is formed of seven large granite blocks with drystone walling between, the remains of which survive on the southeast of the cairn.

The scheduled area is circular, measuring 36m in diameter. 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. All field gates and the above ground elements of all post and wire fences are specifically excluded to allow for their maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a chambered cairn of early Neolithic date. The cairn has been robbed but retains significant structural and physical remains in the form of the remains of two burial chambers and a spread of cairn material. It adds to our understanding of the design and construction of burial monuments, the nature of burial and ritual practices and their significance in Neolithic society. It can be compared with other chambered cairns that survive in the vicinity. As such it can enhance our understanding of Neolithic society and economy, as well as the nature of belief systems, burial and ceremonial practices. Although, now denuded of much of its overlying cairn material, the surviving remains indicate that it was of a significant scale. It would therefore have been a prominent and important component of the wider prehistoric landscape of settlement, agriculture and ritual and would have been a prominent part of the prehistoric landscape. Chambered cairns are one of our main sources of information for the Neolithic in Scotland and so are an important element in our understanding of the nature of Scotland's prehistoric society and landscape. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/23253/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland