Description

The monument is the remains of a stone circle, probably dating to the Bronze Age (2500 BC – 800 BC). Formed of up to 26 stones, it is roughly oval in plan and measures 16.5m from northeast to southwest by 13.7m. The monument lies on a natural terrace near the summit of Burgh Hill, at about 300m above sea level.

Some 23 stones of the circle are roughly in their original location; the remaining stones are displaced. Only 13 stones remain upright. The tallest stone measures 1.25m in height and lies fallen and displaced on the southwest of the circle. It may have been positioned opposite a smaller but distinctive stone on the northeast of the circle. This stone measures 0.4m in height, 1.2m in width and 0.3m in thickness.

The scheduled area is circular, measuring 45m in diameter, centred on the monument. 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 because it makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the past as a stone circle of Bronze Age date. It has the potential to add to our understanding of the nature of ritual and ceremonial practices in southern Scotland and more widely, and their significance in Bronze Age society and economy. Information from excavations elsewhere indicate there is significant potential for the survival of buried archaeological deposits within, beneath and around the site. Study of the form and construction techniques of the stone circle has the potential to increase our understanding of this monument and similar monuments elsewhere. The monument can add to our understanding of the character, development and use of ceremonial and ritual sites, and the placing of ceremonial monuments in the landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/54016/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland