Description

The monument comprises the remains of a prehistoric cairn dating from the Neolithic (4,100 BC – 2,500 BC) to Bronze Age (2,500 BC – 800 BC). It is visible as a mostly turf covered mound up to 2m high and is located on edge of a small scarp at approximately 130m above sea level. 

The monument survives as a large oval spread of stones, 25m east to west by 22m transversely, and a maximum of 2m high. Much of the cairn is overlain with turf with piles of field clearance to the east and north. 

The scheduled area is circular with a diameter of 40m. It includes the remains described above and an area around 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 as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past as a prehistoric burial cairn dating from the Neolithic (4,100 BC – 2,500 BC) to Bronze Age (2,500 BC – 800 BC). It retains structural and other physical attributes, in particular it survives as a large oval spread of stones, 25m east to west by 22m transversely, and a maximum of 2m high. Excavation of similar monuments have shown that buried structures, such as cists, are likely to survive along with archaeological deposits containing artefacts, environmental and human remains. 

The monument is a good example of a prehistoric cairn and is therefore an important representative example of this monument type. It also has research potential which could significantly contribute to our understanding of ritual and funerary practices in southwest Scotland during prehistory. The monument makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the prehistoric landscape and can be studied in relation to the remains of other broadly contemporary monuments in the immediate area such as Benlaight Cairn (NRHE ID 62412), Ballach-A-Heathry (NRHE ID 62432) and Mid Gleniron, chambered cairns (scheduled monument SM1944; 3km west-northwest) to better understand their chronology, form, distribution and development at a local and national level. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/62413/

HER/SMR Reference

MDG2281

Source: Historic Environment Scotland