Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM132_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600003081)

Summary

Description

The monument is a setting of three very large stones in a roughline, probably erected in the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, between 3500 and 4500 years ago.

The southwesternmost stone of the setting is still standing; it measures 3m high and is c 0.8m square. Three metres to the NE lies the second stone, which measures 2.6m by 1.4m by 0.6m; 4.6m to the NE lies the third, which measures 2.5m by c 1m square. The monument was scheduled in 1935; while all three stones are mentioned in the description only the erect stone is indicated on the map; additionally in the 1983 edition of the schedule the entry for the monument mentions only a single standing stone, as does the original scheduling map.

To ensure adequate protection for the monument an area measuring 20m in diameter, centred on the middle stone, is proposed for rescheduling, as marked in red on theattached map. This area corresponds with that which is to be left unplanted around the stones when the forest is replanted.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as a still impressive ritual monument which has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of prehistoric ceremonial practices. Although two of the stones have fallen, archaeological information of considerable value will survive beneath and around them. The setting is unusual in the area for comprising three stones in a line and because of the size of the stones.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.