Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn
Neolithic · Long cairn and round cairn

Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn

Scotland
HES SM438
Period
Neolithic
Site type
Long cairn and round cairn
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cairn Liath is a Neolithic monument in Caithness, Scotland, comprising both a long cairn and a round cairn that represent distinct phases of prehistoric burial practice in the far north. The site's dual structure reflects the development of monumental architecture during the Neolithic period, with the long cairn representing an earlier tradition of collective burial whilst the round cairn indicates later funerary customs. The monument's presence in Caithness contributes to understanding the spread of Neolithic practices across northern Scotland and the persistence of cairn-building traditions across successive generations of prehistoric communities.

Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM438. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn?

Cairn Liath is a Neolithic monument in Caithness, Scotland, comprising both a long cairn and a round cairn that represent distinct phases of prehistoric burial practice in the far north. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM438.

What period does Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn date from?

Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn dates from the neolithic period, and is classified as a long cairn and round cairn. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn?

Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM438.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cairn Liath,long cairn and round cairn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rinsary,homestead 500m WNW of,Berriedale (8.7 km), Rinsary, broch and post-medieval farmstead 300m SSW of, Berriedale (9 km), Cnoc Fionn,hut circle 250m SW of (9.2 km).

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