Monument record MHG39784 - Long Cists with Burials, Mains of Murkle

Summary

A number of long cists containing burials were found within an early medieval burial ground.

Location

Grid reference Centred ND 1659 6940 (6m by 6m) (Buffered by site type)
Map sheet ND16NE
Old County CAITHNESS
Civil Parish THURSO
Geographical Area CAITHNESS

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

On a gently sloping terrace above Murkle Bay, ploughing of a previously fallow area revealed a large number (30+) of human burials. Those with discernible detail were in poorly built long slab cists with gravel/shingle/shell bases (no basal slabs). At least one grave seemed to have had a small upright slab at the head end. Cap slabs were only inches below the turf.
As this is only the most recent of a series of burials discovered in the area (see also ND16NE 25, 31), a single 'skeleton' was removed from the most clearly visible cist and analysed prior to dating. The bones came from more than one individual. The date is 640 +- 60bp (GU 2135).
N Fojut 1987.


Fojut, N, 1987, 'Mains of Murkle (Olrig parish) long cist burials, c 14 date', Discovery and Excavation in Scotland 1987, p.25, 25 (Text/Publication/Article). SHG1092.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Text/Publication/Article: Fojut, N. 1987. 'Mains of Murkle (Olrig parish) long cist burials, c 14 date', Discovery and Excavation in Scotland 1987, p.25. Discovery and Excavation in Scotland. 25. 25.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jan 28 2008 12:00AM

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