Tour Scotland photograph of Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns, Galloway, Scotland. Two remarkably complete Neolithic burial cairns, of a type characteristic of Galloway. The cairns are situated on a hill offering fine views over Wigtown Bay. The tomb shown measures 50 by 15 metres and has a monumental curving façade, that formed the backdrop to a forecourt in front of the tomb. Excavation showed that several fires had been lit in the forecourt. The tomb itself has two chambers. The outer chamber, which was entered through the façade, contained a fragment of a jadeite ceremonial axe, together with sherds of Neolithic pottery and a leaf-shaped arrowhead. Late grave goods comprised Peterborough ware and Beaker ware pottery sherds and a flint knife. The inner chamber was built as a closed box, and was inaccessible from the outer one. It was probably originally roofed by a great stone slab resting on the two taller end slabs. The inner chamber contained a secondary cist, with food vessel sherds and a cup and ring carved stone.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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