Monument record MHG9428 - Cairn, Fairy Glen, Bailenacile

Summary

The remains of a large circular cairn, visible as a large mound of stones.

Location

Grid reference Centred NH 6723 9040 (14m by 14m) (Buffered by site type)
Map sheet NH69SE
Geographical Area SUTHERLAND
Old County SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish CREICH

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

(NH 6724 9040) Cairn (NR) OS 1;10,000 map, (1971)
The remains of a large, circular cairn, dilapidated and grass-grown, about 60ft in diameter. Its sepulchral nature is not certain. Visited 1909. <1>

As described, 1.9m max height with a slightly hollowed top.
Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (E G C) 7 June 1963

A cairn, as described, now so overgrown with bracken that no details can be observed. Visited by OS (NKB) 19.9.1980.

Visible as large mound of stones under bracken etc. The area is clear of trees as under power lines although generally within old oak wood scheduled for additional trees. The linkage with the chambered cairn is probably not fortuitous and they should be regarded as a ritual group until proved otherwise. It is also possible that this is not just a simple mound. It was hard to discern extent, but there may have been an extension on the N side (ie betw the 2 cairns) as outer banking. Also stone heap to SE between the cairn and wall might be additional structures (unless it represents clearance dumping over wall). Photos. Curle PSAS describes "the lower of the two gives no indication of its original character". <2>

A trench for a new water pipeline was diverted to avoid this cairn. Archaeological monitoring of the excavations revealed some areas of possible tumble from the cairn, as well as a tumbled riverbank revetment that may have been constructed of cairn material. <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Text/Report: RCAHMS. 1911. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland. Second report and inventory of monuments and constructions in the county of Sutherland. . 30, No. 79.
  • <2> Verbal Communication: White, H. Comment by Hilary White, HC Archaeologist. 06/2003.
  • <3> Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: McCullagh, C. 01/2008. Watching Brief: Spinningdale Water Main Renewal Culduthel Mains Farm, Inverness: Phase 5. Excavation of a Later Prehistoric Settlement. Highland Archaeology Services Ltd. 19/01/2008. Digital.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Aug 21 2008 4:27PM

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