Description

The monument comprises a prehistoric burial cairn that is situated on a gentle SW-facing slope within an area of Scots pine and juniper woodland. Several trees have recently been cleared from around the edges of the cairn.

The cairn survives as an approximately circular mass of small boulders and stones, up to 25m in diameter and 0.6m in height, with a prominent kerb of at least 26 kerbstones. The central part of the cairn appears to have been dug into in the past. It was probably constructed between 3500 and 4000 years ago.

The area to be scheduled is circular on plan, centred on the cairn, to include the cairn and an area around it in which evidence relating to its construction and use may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

The monument's archaeological significance can be expressed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics: Despite the damage caused by tree planting and an apparent excavation in the centre of the cairn, many of the characteristic structural features that define this class of monument remain well preserved and it is likely that the associated archaeological deposits, including evidence for burial rites, are also well preserved. The survival of a prominent kerb has the potential to significantly enhance understanding of the monument.

Contextual characteristics: The monument occupies a prominent position in the landscape with wide views to the S and W. It would have had a significant place within the prehistoric landscape of the area.

National importance

The monument is of national significance because there is good potential for the survival of archaeological evidence relating to its construction and use. It retains important field characteristics, such as a well-preserved kerb. Occupying a prominent position in the landscape, it would have been visible from a wide area of the prehistoric landscape in which people conducted their day-to-day activities. Its loss would affect our ability to understand this prehistoric landscape and its evolution through time.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NJ41SW 68. It is recorded in the Aberdeenshire Council Sites & Monuments Record as 'Upper Culquoich'.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland