Description

The monument comprises a standing stone and associated enclosure that are to be found in rough and rocky ground to the SE of Ben Rulibreck on Vatersay. The monument was first scheduled in 1991 but an inadequate area was scheduled: the present scheduling rectifies this.

The standing stone forms one side of the entrance to a stone enclosure (a smaller stone marks the opposite side). It is unclear whether or not the enclosure has reused an earlier prehistoric stone, or if, in fact, the whole is more recent in date. The enclosure, which measures about 30m SW-NSE by 20m transversely, incorporates, on it SW side, a small structure.

The siting of the stone, if prehistoric, may be particularly significant. It lies within a natural passage through the hills at the S end of Vatersay: the island of Sandray is framed to the S, the summit of Ben Tangaval to the N.

The area to be scheduled is rectangular on plan and measures 50m SW-NE by 30m transversely, to include the stone, enclosure, and an area around in which associated remains may survive, as marked on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is an unusual site, apparently a prehistoric stone (possibly two) later incorporated into an agricultural enclosure. As a standing stone, the landscape setting of the large stone would appear to have been carefully chosen to reflect significant local topographical features. The site has not been excavated and retains high archaeological potential to provide information about early prehistoric ritual and later agricultural activity in the Western Isles, and how this compares with elsewhere in Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NL 69 SW 2.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland