Prehistoric Chambered Tombs

 Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on two prehistoric monuments located near Creetown in Galloway, southern Scotland. They date from between 4000 and 6000 years ago, mainly during the Neolithic period.

More information on the tombs

These chambered tombs were built to house the remains of many people and were in use over many centuries.Their creation required a major work commitment by the community. This work was seasonal taking place during quiet times in the farming and fishing year. Chambered cairns can be found in parts of Scotland, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of Europe although designs vary.

The two cairns (Cairnholy I and II) would have looked quite different when first constructed. All that remains are the basic 'skeleton' of each cairn. This is because the core 'in-fill' of each structure has removed to form field boundaries and for other purposes. In Cairnholy 1 the curving facade of standing stones once formed the backdrop to a forecourt in front of the cairn. Excavations have revealed fire hearths on the forecourt which may have been used for rituals or funeral activities.

Here is an artist's impression of Cairnholy I when complete.

Here is an image of the remaining parts of Cairnholy I

During excavations in 1949 few human remains were found. However, a flake of pitchstone (volcanic rock) from the Scottish Isle of Arran. This indicates direct or indirect contact with the island which is about 100 miles to the north. Arran was home to a substantial Neolithic population with many extant monuments relating to that period. Further finds in Cairnholy 1 include:

-A ceremonial axe fragment made of jadeite sourced from the European Alps.

-'Beaker' pottery from the Bronze Age. This indicates continuing use of the facility over many centuries and changing cultures. The 'Beaker People' originated in the Ukraine and largely displaced the indigenous people who had dark skins. Refer this post for more information.

Here is an image of the smaller, Cairnholy II. Both of the sites occupy prominent, high elevation positions.

More information

For more information on the prehistoric period and other facets of Scotland for tourists please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.