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Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains is a subsurface archaeological site in Perthshire comprising the structural foundations and artefactual deposits associated with the former cathedral and its immediate surroundings. The site sits upon bedrock of the Arbuthnott-Garvock Group, a Lower Devonian formation of predominantly red sandstone interspersed with conglomerate, siltstone and mudstone that underlies much of central Scotland. This geological base would have provided accessible building material for the cathedral's construction and subsequent structures within the precinct.
The buried archaeological deposits preserve evidence of religious occupation and institutional activity spanning centuries. Stratified soil layers, structural remains and artefactual debris beneath the modern ground surface contain the material record of the cathedral's functional history, from its establishment through to the transformations of the Scottish Reformation and beyond.
The monument is protected by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument under reference SM90109, recognising the archaeological significance of the buried remains and their potential to illuminate the development of this important religious and administrative centre. The precinct boundary, whilst no longer visible above ground, is delineated within the scheduled area to preserve the integrity of the entire site.
Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90109. View the official record →
Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains is a subsurface archaeological site in Perthshire comprising the structural foundations and artefactual deposits associated with the former cathedral and its immediate surroundings. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90109.
Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains 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 SM90109.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Stirling, remains of former bridge to N of Stirling Old Bridge (6.9 km), Stirling Old Bridge (7 km), Stirling Castle (7.4 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains'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.
Dunblane Cathedral and precinct, buried remains stands on Arbuthnott-Garvock Group, bedrock that formed in the Pragian. The rock here is sandstone with subordinate conglomerate, siltstone and mudstone.