Description

The monument comprises the remains of a well-preserved burnt mound dating probably to the Bronze Age (second millennium BC). It survives as a roughly crescent-shaped grass-covered mound measuring approximately 24m NE-SW by 11m transversely and standing up to 1.25m high. The mound is situated inland some 600m E of the Loch of Isbister, at around 16m above sea level, and is surrounded 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 defined by a fenced enclosure and is rectilinear on plan measuring around 45m WSW-ENE by 23m NNW-SSE, 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. The scheduling specifically excludes the above-ground elements of all post-and-wire fences and gates to allow for their maintenance.

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 good state of preservation of the Knowe of Brenda and its proximity to other examples in the vicinity enhance this potential. The loss of this 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 HY22SE 40.

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 114.

ScARF, 2013, 3.3.1 Burnt Mounds, The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework website, http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/content/331-burnt-mounds.

Toolis, R 2005, 'Excavation of a burnt mound at Meur, Sanday, Orkney', Scot 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