Description

The monument comprises the remains of part of a barrow cemetery dating probably to the Bronze Age (between 2000 and 800 BC). At least seven or eight barrows have been recorded previously. Three barrows are visible today as roughly circular mounds standing 0.4m-0.5m high; another three are visible as slight rises in the field; and the others are likely to be preserved as buried remains. The barrows have been spread by ploughing and vary in diameter from 5-10m. They are located in pairs or individually and loosely arranged NW-SE over a distance of some 160m. The three most visible barrows are the pair of barrows furthest to the NW and an oval barrow 130m to their SE. The pair of mounds previously recorded at the SW end of the group cannot be traced on the ground surface today. Antiquarian accounts report the presence of cists and grave goods in this area, indicating the likely presence of further burials. The mounds are located within improved pasture on the S shoulder of Keelylang Hill overlooking the Loch of Kirbister at approximately 60m above sea level. The monument was first scheduled in 1940, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is irregular in shape 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. The scheduling specifically excludes the above-ground elements of the post-and-wire fence that crosses the W side of the scheduled area to allow for its maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to make a significant addition to understanding of funerary practice in the Bronze Age. Earthen barrows form an important and relatively widespread element of Orkney's Bronze Age landscape, and provide evidence for the major social and economic changes which took place during this period. The site at Groundwater is notable because it contains the remains of a number of burial mounds, forming a barrow cemetery spread across the slope overlooking the Loch of Kirbister. Despite the plough damage, excavation elsewhere has demonstrated good levels of preservation of mortuary structures and burials, as well as the presence of pottery and stone tools, beneath and around similar barrows. The significance of Groundwater is enhanced by its association with other barrow mounds and cemeteries on marginal land nearby. Our understanding of the form, function and distribution of Bronze Age barrows in Orkney would be diminished if this monument was to be lost or further damaged.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY30NE 5.

References

Downes, J 1994, 'Excavation of a Bronze Age burial at Mousland, Stromness, Orkney', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 124, 151.

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).

Downes, J 1999, 'Orkney Barrows Project', Current Archaeology 165, 324-327.

Marwick, H 1929, 'Some cist-burials in Orkney', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 63, 377-83.

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, 176-7, no 491.

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

Source: Historic Environment Scotland