Description

The monument comprises the remains of a burnt mound dating probably to the Bronze Age (second millennium BC). It survives as a low, elongated grass-covered mound situated on a low rise in a cultivated field. The burnt mound has been spread by ploughing, which obscures its original dimensions; it now measures about 20m E-W by 50m N-S and stands up to 1.2m high. A hollow on the W side of the mound, adjacent to an old stream channel, may represent the site of a trough and activity area. There are indications of another hollow on the E side. The mound is situated inland about 1km SE of Marwick bay at around 20m above sea level, and is surrounded on its W side by low-lying boggy ground. The monument was originally scheduled in 1940, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is oval on plan, 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 make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular prehistoric society and the construction and use of burnt mounds, and their placing in the landscape. The reasonably good preservation of the monument and its proximity to other examples in the vicinity enhance this potential. The loss of the monument would impede our ability to understand the nature of later prehistoric society and economy in Orkney.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY22SW 20.

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.

RCAHMS, 1946 The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Twelfth report with an inventory of the ancient monuments of Orkney and Shetland, 3v Edinburgh, 35, no 116.

ScARF, 2013, 3.3.1 Burnt Mounds, The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework website, .

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

Topping, P 2011, Introduction to Heritage Assets: Burnt Mounds, English Heritage, UK.

Towrie, S 2013, A Brief History of Orkney ' The Bronze Age, .

Source: Historic Environment Scotland