Description

The monument comprises the remains of a burnt mound dating probably to the Bronze Age (between about 2000 and 800 BC). It is visible as a substantial grass-covered mound, measuring approximately 15m in diameter and standing up to 1.6m high. It is composed primarily of burnt stones and other burnt material. This burnt mound appears to be undisturbed and well-preserved. A canalised stream lies immediately to the N. In 1933, surveyors recorded the remains of a possible tank in a hollow adjacent to the stream, but these are not visible today. The mound is situated on low-lying, improved pasture at the NW end of Rousay, at around 35m 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 26m 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, of the dating, form and function of burnt mounds and their placing within the landscape. This is a well-preserved example of its type in an area rich in burnt mounds and other types of prehistoric site. 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 3.

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, 225, no 586.

ScARF 2013, Burnt Mounds, The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework, http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/content/331-burnt-mounds [accessed July 2013].

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, http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/bronzeage.htm [accessed July 2013].

Source: Historic Environment Scotland