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Cairnsmore of Fleet is a cairn situated in Kirkcudbrightshire, south-western Scotland. The monument stands upon bedrock formed from an unnamed igneous intrusion of Late Silurian to Early Devonian age, composed of felsic rock that crystallised during the Early Devonian period. This geological foundation reflects the complex igneous activity that shaped the region's landscape in ancient times.
As a cairn, the monument represents a form of monumental construction characteristic of prehistoric Scotland, typically raised to mark burial or ritual significance. The felsic bedrock beneath the site, being resistant to weathering, would have provided a stable base for the accumulation of stones that constitute the cairn structure itself. The local geology may also have influenced the availability of suitable stone for the monument's construction.
The site is protected and recorded by Historic Environment Scotland under the scheduled monument reference SM2316, ensuring its preservation for future study and public understanding. The cairn's position on the distinctive igneous geology of the region contributes to the archaeological landscape of Kirkcudbrightshire and reflects patterns of prehistoric settlement and ritual practice across south-western Scotland.
Cairnsmore of Fleet, cairn is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2316. View the official record →
Cairnsmore of Fleet is a cairn situated in Kirkcudbrightshire, south-western Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2316.
Cairnsmore of Fleet, 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 SM2316.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Machars Hill,motte (3.6 km), Blackcraig lead mines, lade, dressing floors, smelt mill and miners' cottages, Blackcraig (6 km), Pibble,lead mines (6.8 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Cairnsmore of Fleet, cairn's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Cairnsmore of Fleet, cairn stands on Unnamed Igneous Intrusion, Late Silurian To Early Devonian, bedrock that formed in the Early Devonian. The rock here is felsic-rock.