Description

The monument consists of the remains of a substantial cairn, lying within the forest at Creag Innis an Daimh Dhuibh, at 300 m above sea level. It is likely to be Bronze Age dating to the second or third millennium BC.

The cairn is visible as a large pile of stones measuring 15m from N to S by 13.5m transversely and stands 1.2m high.

The area to be scheduled is a clipped circle on plan, to include the remains described above and an area around them within which related evidence relating to their construction and use may be expected to be found, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The track running E to W across the bottom of the monument is specifically excluded from the scheduling, to allow for its maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

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

Intrinisic characteristics: The monument is well preserved, with upstanding remains dating from the second or third millennium BC, despite some disturbance caused by the construction of an adjacent animal pen using stone from the cairn. Given the site's current situation in a forest clearing, it is likely that archaeologically significant deposits relating to the construction, use and abandonment of the structure remain in place. It is also likely that deposits survive that could provide data relating to the prehistoric environment; in particular, it is common for cairns to seal an old ground surface beneath them.

The monument has considerable potential to enhance understanding of Bronze Age ritual and funerary practice and also social structure, whether it remained in use for a short or long period of time.

Contextual characteristics: The monument is a good representative of a numerous class, many examples of which forestry operations in the modern period have destroyed or badly damaged. Numerous hut circles, clearance cairns and cultivation remains potentially relating to the Bronze or Iron Ages surround it. Together, these elements enable an understanding of how prehistoric settlement and society developed over time.

Associative characteristics: The early prehistoric monuments of Scotland retain a place in the national consciousness.

National Importance: The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past; in particular Bronze Age society, the design and construction of cairns, and the nature of Bronze Age ritual and funerary practice. This potential is enhanced by its relatively good preservation and the survival of marked field characteristics. The loss of this example would significantly impede our ability to understand the Bronze Age period in Northern Scotland. The monument also has a place in the national consciousness, given the strong continued interest within the UK in the ritual monuments of early prehistory.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the monument as NH52NE14.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland