Reasons for Designation
Cairnfields are concentrations of cairns sited in close proximity to one
another. They often consist largely of clearance cairns, built with stone
cleared from the surrounding landsurface to improve its use for agriculture,
and on occasion their distribution pattern can be seen to define field plots.
However, funerary cairns are also frequently incorporated, although without
excavation it may be impossible to determine which cairns contain burials.
Clearance cairns were constructed from the Neolithic period (from c.3400 BC),
although the majority of examples appear to be the result of field clearance
which began during the earlier Bronze Age and continued into the later Bronze
Age (2000-700 BC). The considerable longevity and variation in the size,
content and associations of cairnfields provide important information on the
development of land use and agricultural practices. Cairnfields also retain
information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation during the
prehistoric period.
Details
The monument includes a cairnfield of Bronze Age date situated slightly below
the summit on the east side of Gains Law. It commands extensive views to the
north and south. Further remains of prehistoric settlements and field systems
in the vicinity are the subject of separate schedulings. The cairnfield has
maximum dimensions of 260m north-south by 150m east-west. It contains the
remains of at least 20 stone cairns. The mounds vary in size from 2m to 7m in
diameter and stand to a maximum height of 0.55m high. Some of the cairns have
kerbs around their perimeters and are interpreted as funerary in origin.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31742
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
