Reasons for Designation
Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age
(c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds covering single or
multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined
compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch.
Often occupying prominent locations, cairns are a major visual element in the
modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are
the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their
considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide
important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation
amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of
their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered
worthy of protection.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a substantial round cairn of prehistoric
date situated on the north east slopes of Heathery Hill above the Ridlees
Burn. The cairn, composed of earth and stone measures 14m in diameter and
stands to a maximum height of 1.3m. Several hollows in the centre of the
cairn are likely to be the result of unrecorded partial excavation in the
19th century.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25056
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
