Description

The monument comprises the remains of a cairn, probably dating to the Bronze Age (2500BC – 800BC) and a standing stone of Late Neolithic (3000BC – 2500BC) or Bronze Age date. The cairn is circular on plan, measuring about 28m from north to south by about 27m and standing up to about 2m high. The standing stone lies around 28m to the south of the cairn and stands about 1.7m high. It measures about 1.3m wide at the base, tapering at the top where a circular hole, formed by the connection of two opposing bowl shape depressions, has been bored through the stone. The monument lies on gently sloping ground at about 25m above sea level.

The scheduled area is in two parts. The northern part is circular, measuring 48m in diameter, centred on the cairn. The second is circular, measuring 8m in diameter and centred on the standing stone. The scheduled area 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. 

The above ground elements of the stone wall south of the cairn is specifically excluded to allow for its maintenance. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past as a cairn of probable Bronze Age date and a standing stone of Late Neolithic or Bronze Age date. It is possible that they were built in relation to one another. The monument adds to our understanding of the design and construction of burial and ritual monuments, the nature of burial and ritual practices and their significance in Bronze Age society. It is an impressive monument which retains its field characteristics and can be compared with other cairns and standing stones that survive in the vicinity. As such it can enhance our understanding of Bronze Age society and economy, as well as the nature of belief systems, burial and ceremonial practices. It would have been an important component of the wider prehistoric landscape of settlement, agriculture and ritual and would have been a prominent part of the prehistoric landscape. The standing stone is traditionally associated with marriage ceremonies and so can tell us about the continued importance of prehistoric monuments within societies and their incorporation into traditional practices. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/62871/
https://www.trove.scot/place/62872/

HER/SMR Reference

MDG2535
MDG2536

Source: Historic Environment Scotland