Description

The monument is a circular ditched enclosure, dating probably to the late Neolithic or Bronze Age (between about 2500 and 800 BC). It is clearly visible from the air on oblique aerial photographs and, on the ground, as a prominent rise in a cultivated grass field. The Ordnance Survey Name Book reports that a short cist containing 'a light substance' or ashes was found here in 1871. The results of aerial survey in 2009, followed by geophysical survey in 2010, strongly suggest the presence of a substantial ditch, about 10m in width, enclosing an area about 50m in diameter. Strong magnetic anomalies recorded in the interior of the enclosure probably indicate the remains of stone-built structures. The SW arc of the monument has been damaged by later ploughing, although an apparent break recorded here by resistance survey may suggest this was the site of an entrance. The enclosure is located on the summit of a ridge at about 32m above sea level, from where there are very good views over the Loch of Stenness and the Loch of Harray, as well as towards the Ring of Brodgar 1700m to the SE.

The scheduled area is circular on plan, 70m in diameter, to include 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, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

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 the past, particularly of prehistoric ritual and ceremonial sites in Orkney. Aerial photographic evidence suggests that the monument retains most of its original form, including a well-defined enclosing ditch which is likely to preserve deep archaeological deposits. Geophysical survey results strongly indicate the presence of substantial remains beneath the surface including, probably, stone-built structures. There is very high potential for the presence of well-preserved archaeological deposits, particularly in the ditches where a wealth of artefacts and environmental evidence may be expected to survive. Such deposits can inform us about the function, dating, period of use, construction methods and development sequence of the monument, which is likely to be complex and potentially of long duration. The monument's importance is enhanced because it forms an integral part of a wider ritual landscape which is exceptionally rich in late Neolithic and early Bronze Age monuments - the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Area. The loss of this monument would significantly diminish our ability to appreciate and understand the meaning and importance of ritual and ceremonial enclosures in Orkney and the placing of ritual monuments within the landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the site as HY21SE 6.

Recorded by aerial photography: RCAHMSAP 2009.

References

Brend, A 2010, 'Bookan Farm, Orkney (Sandwick parish), geophysical survey', Discovery Excav Scot 11, 126.

Ordnance Survey (Name Book) Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey (6 inch and 1/2500 scale), Book No. 17, 198.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland