Description

The monument is the remains of a barrow dating probably to the Bronze Age (between about 2000 and 800 BC). The barrow survives as a circular grass-covered earthen mound, measuring approximately 9m in diameter and standing up to 1m high. This barrow is the last upstanding remnant of what was once an extensive barrow cemetery, as depicted on the Ordnance Survey 2nd edition map. The monument is situated on relatively low-lying level ground at around 10m above sea level. It lies in the corner of a field, which has contributed to its survival, with stone walls slightly overlying its N and W sides. The monument was originally scheduled in 1939, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is circular on plan, 14m 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. The scheduling specifically excludes the above-ground elements of the two stone walls N and W of the barrow 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 contribution to our understanding of funerary practice in the Bronze Age, and the form, function and distribution of barrows. Orkney's Bronze Age barrows are unusual in Scotland, and important within a British context, because the majority are earthen mounds as opposed to stone-built cairns. They provide evidence for the significant changes which took place in society and funerary practice in the Bronze Age in Orkney. The barrow at Sandola is particularly important as it is is reasonably well-preserved and is the last remnant of an extensive barrow cemetery. There is good potential for the survival of important archaeological deposits in the form of burials and associated structures. The loss of this monument would significantly diminish our future ability to appreciate and understand the placing of such monuments within the landscape and the meaning and importance of death and burial in prehistoric times.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY21NE 45.

References

Downes, J 1995, 'Linga Fold', Current Archaeology 142, 396-399.

Downes, J 1997, The Orkney Barrows Project survey results and management strategy (unpubl rep to Historic Scotland. ARCUS, University of Sheffield).

Hedges, M E 1978-80, 'Short cists recently excavated at Lower Ellibister and other locations in Orkney', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 110, 44-71.

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, 262, no 703.

Towrie, S 2013, The Knowes o' Trotty, http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/knowestrotty/ [accessed August 2013].

Source: Historic Environment Scotland