Torrylin PrehIstoric Burial Cairn

Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Torrylin, a burial cairn from the Neolithic period (about 5000 years old) within walking distance of Lagg on the southern tip of the Isle of Arran off Scotland’s West Coast.    

Burial chambers at Torrrylin Cairn, Isle of Arran, Scotland

Key features of the Torrylin Site

  • Comprises four chambers, one of over 25 similar burial cairns on Arran. The cairn overlooks the sea.
  • Categorised as a ‘Clyde Type’ i.e. architecture in common with many others around the Firth of Clyde in S.W.Scotland.
  • Heavily robbed and damaged over the millennia. The cairn originally had a forecourt area defined by tall stones, leading to an inner rectangular chamber divided into four similar compartments.
  • Excavations in the 19th century revealed the remains of six adults, a child, and an infant burial. Fragments of flint tools and pieces of pottery were also discovered.

Torrylin Burial Cairn, Arran, Scotland.

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.

 

 

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