Description

The monument comprises a cairn of prehistoric date, visible as a grass-covered mound.

The cairn is situated on the summit of a small knoll at about 45m O.D. and measures c. 19m in diameter. It comprises an extant mound composed of earth and stone with maximum height of c. 1.6m above the present ground surface. To the south it is defined by a line of probable kerb stones and two recumbent orthostats present on the western edge of the cairn (now partially overlain with modern clearance stone) probably represent either part of the cairn's structure or components of cists within the cairn. Some localised disturbance of the cairn is evident, particularly within the centre and to the north, possibly indicating a previous excavation or related to the Ordnance Survey triangulation station which occupied the cairn. The south-eastern slopes of the cairn exhibit localised erosion, with an apparently well-preserved old ground surface identifiable in section.

Cairns of this type are funerary monuments dating to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and may be expected to contain material relating to their mode of construction and use.

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 shape and centred on the cairn, with a diameter of 40m, as marked in red 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. Its importance is increased by its potential to provide important environmental information at the time immediately preceding the construction of the cairn.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NK06SW 16.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland