Scheduled MonumentsScotlandSweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay
Burnt mound ese of skelbist,gairsay

Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay

Scotland
HES SM1395
Site type
Burnt mound ese of skelbist,gairsay
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Sweyn's Castle burnt mound is a prehistoric monument located east-south-east of Skelbist on the island of Gairsay in Orkney, Scotland. Burnt mounds, known archaeologically as fulachtaí fia, typically date from the Bronze Age and Iron Age periods and are formed from accumulated fire-cracked stones and charcoal deposits resulting from repeated heating and cooling cycles. This example comprises a mound of burnt stone and debris characteristic of such sites, though its precise functional purpose—whether related to cooking, metalworking, or other thermal processes—remains a subject of archaeological inquiry. The monument is designated as a scheduled monument under Historic Environment Scotland's records, reflecting its importance to understanding Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement and activity patterns in the Northern Isles.

Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1395. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay?

Sweyn's Castle burnt mound is a prehistoric monument located east-south-east of Skelbist on the island of Gairsay in Orkney, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1395.

Who is responsible for protecting Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay?

Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay 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 SM1395.

What other scheduled monuments are near Sweyn's Castle,burnt mound ESE of Skelbist,Gairsay?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hall of Rendall, settlement 275m NE of and St Thomas's Kirk (2.7 km), Knowe of Dishero, broch 200m SSW of The Old Manse, Gorseness (3.2 km), South Aittit, church 185m NE of (3.4 km).

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