Scheduled MonumentsScotlandClais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of
Neolithic · Chambered cairn

Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of

Scotland
HES SM424
Period
Neolithic
Site type
Chambered cairn
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Clais-Cairn is a Neolithic chambered cairn located approximately 550 metres south-west of Caithness in northern Scotland. The monument dates to the Neolithic period and represents the type of communal burial structure characteristic of early farming communities in northern Britain. As a chambered cairn, the site would originally have comprised a stone-built burial chamber set within a mound of stacked stones, serving as a focal point for successive interments and ritual activity. The specific archaeological character and preservation condition of Clais-Cairn reflect the broader tradition of megalithic monument construction that flourished across Scotland during the fourth and third millennia before the present.

Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM424. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of?

Clais-Cairn is a Neolithic chambered cairn located approximately 550 metres south-west of Caithness in northern Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM424.

What period does Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of date from?

Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of dates from the neolithic period, and is classified as a chambered cairn. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of?

Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of 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 SM424.

What other scheduled monuments are near Clais-Cairn,chambered cairn 550m SW of?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rinsary, broch and post-medieval farmstead 300m SSW of, Berriedale (3.9 km), Cnoc Fionn,hut circle 250m SW of (4.3 km), Langwell Castle or Achastle,230m E of Langwell House (4.4 km).

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