Description

The monument comprises the remains of a prehistoric burial cairn and is situated on a broad ridge, within a group of prehistoric burial cairns, hut circles and relic field systems identified on Knock Hill. The partially turf covered monument is situated in an area of rough grazing, just to the N of a curving field bank of unknown date.

The interior of the cairn has been partially robbed of its stone down to the level of the top of the cairn's retaining kerb. The cairn's 5.3m diameter surrounding kerb, which includes boulders up to 0.7m across, appears completely intact.

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

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

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

Intrinsic characteristics: The monument is in a relatively good state of preservation. It is upstanding and clearly visible in the landscape and retains important field characteristics of this class of monument. Despite the robbing or erosion of the upper portion of the cairn, the lower part and the outer kerb of the cairn appear to be intact and the whole is clearly visible in the landscape on the crest of a ridge. There is no evidence for disturbance of the lower part of the monument. The structure is therefore likely to preserve archaeological deposits relating to prehistoric burial rites are preserved within it.

Contextual characteristics: Comparing and contrasting this cairn to nearby cairns and others outside the region can create an understanding of regional identity and society. The identification of a group of prehistoric monuments on Knock Hill and the environs further enhances the value of the monument. It shares a visual relationship with other ritual monuments on Knock Hill and is prominent on the skyline when viewed from the valley to the N of Knock Hill.

National Importance: This monument is of national importance because it is an upstanding prehistoric burial cairn with the potential to reveal much about funerary practice in the prehistoric communities of NE Scotland. It has the potential to make a significant contribution to our knowledge of prehistoric society in this locality and, by association, the rest of Scotland. The loss of the monument would affect our future ability to appreciate and understand the prehistoric landscape and its inhabitants.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

References:

RCAHMS 2007, IN THE SHADOW OF BENNACHIE: THE FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY OF DONSIDE, ABERDEENSHIRE, Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Aerial photographs:

RCAHMS, 1996, 2888/po, Knock Hill Rig.

RCAHMS, 1996, 2889/po, Knock Hill Rig.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland