Description

The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a burnt mound dating probably to the Bronze Age (second millennium BC). It is visible as a roughly crescent-shaped turf-covered mound, which measures approximately 26m N-S by 20m E-W and stands around 1.5m high. A hollow in its W side is waterlogged, suggesting the presence of a water source. The mound is situated in a low-lying boggy field, at around 10m above sea level, with views across the Loch of Harray. The monument was originally scheduled in 1937, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present rescheduling rectifies this.

The scheduled area is circular on plan, 36m in diameter, centred on the centre of the burnt mound, as shown in red on the accompanying map. It includes the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to contribute to our understanding of the past, in particular, the dating, form and function of burnt mounds and their placing within the landscape. This is a well-preserved example of its type and its close proximity to several Bronze Age burial monuments, particularly a barrow less than 50m to the NE, gives it added potential to enhance our knowledge of burnt mounds as components of the wider prehistoric landscape in Orkney. The loss of this monument would impede our ability to understand the origins, function and development of burnt mounds and the nature of prehistoric society and economy in Orkney.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY21NE 31

References

Anthony, I 2003, Luminescence dating of Scottish burnt mounds: new investigations in Orkney and Shetland (unpubl PhD thesis, University of Glasgow).

Hedges, J 1975, 'Excavation of two Orcadian burnt mounds at Liddle and Beaquoy', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 106, 39-98.

ScARF 2013, Burnt Mounds, The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework, .

Toolis, R 2005, 'Excavation of a burnt mound at Meur, Sanday, Orkney', Scott Archaeol J 29, 31-49.

Topping, P 2011, Introduction to heritage assets: burnt mounds, English Heritage.

Towrie, S 2013, A brief history of Orkney ' the Bronze Age, .

Source: Historic Environment Scotland