Description

The monument comprises the remains of a well-preserved burnt mound, dating probably to the Bronze Age (between 2000 and 800 BC). It survives as a substantial crescent-shaped grass-covered mound, measuring approximately 18.5m NE-SW by 13m transversely and standing up to 1.5m high. It is composed mainly of accumulated burnt stones and other burnt material. The crescent-shaped mound is open on its SE side, where there is likely to be a water trough, hearth and related features. When the site was visited by RCAHMS in 1928, 'masonry and slabs on edge' were noted, but these are no longer visible. The mound is situated on low-lying boggy ground, immediately N of an unnamed stream and close to the remains of a later dam. It is located some 100m inland from the W coast of Rousay, at around 10m above sea level. The monument was originally scheduled in 1935, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is circular on plan, measuring 30m in diameter, 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 and unusually large example of its type, with high archaeological potential. Earlier reports strongly indicate the presence of well-preserved internal structures, such as a water trough. It is one of several burnt mounds in close proximity (the others are Knowe of Dale and the burnt mounds at Tafts and Lower Quandale, all within 1km), which adds to its potential to enhance our understanding 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 later prehistoric society and economy in Orkney.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY33SE 5.

References

Anthony, I 2003, Luminescence Dating of Scottish Burnt Mounds: New Investigations in Orkney and Shetland, Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Glasgow.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.

Lee, D 2008, Quandale, Rousay: The Biography of a Landscape: An Interpretive Landscape Survey, Unpublished MA Thesis, Orkney College.

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, 225, no 585.

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', Scottish Archaeol Jour 29(1).

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