Description

The monument comprises the remains of a cairn likely to represent a burial monument of Bronze Age date. It survives as a prominent stony mound on the summit of Harestone Hill.

The site lies at 504m OD and commands extremely extensive views over the Lothians, from the Pentlands in the W to Dunbar in the E. The cairn is circular with a relatively well-defined edge and a diameter of approximately 12.5m. It is formed of loose stones with some indications of kerbing on the W side. The main body of the cairn rises to approximately 1m in height. Two stone heaps up to 2m high in the centre of the cairn appear to be relatively modern. The E part of the cairn is partially overlain by a sheep stell constructed from cairn material.

The disturbance caused by the construction of the sheep stell and the modern cairns appears to be relatively superficial, having affected only the upper loose stones of the original cairn. There is every reason to expect that primary deposits will survive within the cairn.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the cairn and an area around it in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 40m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of Bronze Age funerary practices. The cairn may be expected to contain primary burials and related deposits while the area around it may be expected to contain evidence for associated ritual practices.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 56 SE 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland