Condition

6
Possible burial cairn
Neolithic
Shetland

Description

A small sub-oval structure is located on a small level shelf on a sloping hillside. It is aligned E-W and measures 8m by 6m overall. The wall is formed from an earth and stone bank with stone revetting on both the internal and external faces. It is 1.5m wide, stands up to 1m high and appears to be founded on a basal course of orthostatic stones. A line of edge set stones which lie just beyond the bank to the N side is suggestive of a kerb or facade. The location of the entrance is unclear due to the abundance of strewn stone in the area. It may lie to the SW side where a group of larger stones occur within the wall line; alternatively, it may lie to the E end, where there is a gap in the bank. The interior area measures about 3m by 5m. To the W end of the interior there is a block of masonry which may be collapse from the wall or alternatively, a pier or architectural feature. To the NW side there a large orthostat (1m x 0.4m x 0.1m) is set at right angles to the inner wall face, which in this area is lined with a large flat slab. This appears to be the remains of a small compartment. A large amount of collapsed stone from this structure is strewn down the adjacent hillside. It is probable that this site is a prehistoric burial cairn and, given its good state of preservation, it should be considered to be of high archaeological potential. 24th May 2015 As described but well back from coast edge. No coastal erosion risk.

Location

451730.00
1172178.00
27700
60.4301224
-1.0621732

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Looking W 24/05/2015 Looking W training1
Looking W
Showing situation of cairn on slope, looking N 24/05/2015 Showing situation of cairn on slope, looking N training1
Showing situation of cairn on slope, looking N
Looking E 24/05/2015 Looking E training1
Looking E
Looking S 24/05/2015 Looking S training1
Looking S

Submitted updates

No updates found

Pin It on Pinterest