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 the remains of a cairnfield of prehistoric date situated
on level ground below Hart Heugh. The cairnfield comprises at least eight
clearance cairns, roughly circular in shape and measuring between 5m and 2m in
diameter. The largest cairn stands 0.4m high and has some kerb stones visible
through the turf cover which suggest it is funerary in nature.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31710
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
