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MHG11678 - Possible Kerb Cairn, Torboll

Summary

Possible kerb cairn (cairn 'B') but may be clearance associated with hut circle to the north. A definite kerb cairn (cairn 'A') lies to the east (MHG45299).

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

NH79NW 14 7397 9844 and 7384 9843.

On an open piece of moorland, just beyond the termination of the birch wood, between the road up Strath Carnaig and the right bank of the Carnaig River, about 1/4 mile above Torboll Fall, and some 100 yards back from the road, is a well-preserved circular cairn, overgrown with grass and studded with birch trees. Its diameter is about 50ft and its height 6ft or thereby. Around its base is a kerb of large contiguous boulders, averaging about 1ft in height above ground and from 1 1/2 to 2ft across. On the top of the cairn is a slight circular depression, some 7ft in diameter.
About 150 yards W of the cairn there seems to be another, its longest axis E-W, measuring 23ft by 19ft. Towards the NE some large stones are visible, marking its outline.
RCAHMS 1911, visited 1909.

The first of the two cairns described by the RCAHMS is at NH 7397 9844. It is generally as described, having diameters of 17.3m N-S by 16.6m transversely, and a maximum height on the E side of about 2.0m.
The second, at NH 7384 9843, appears to have been built on a slight natural hillock. It consists of a stony, grass-covered mound about 12.0m E-W by about 9.0m transversely with a maximum height of about 1.0m. There are indications of possible kerbing on its S side, and a slight depression on top, but no evidence of a cist or chamber.
Visited by OS (W D J) 5 April 1964.

(A: NH 7397 9844, B: 7384 9843) Cairns (NR)
OS 6" map, (1969)

Cairn 'A' is as described by previous OS field investigator, but there is considerable doubt that 'B' is a cairn. It survives as an amorphous stony mound on the summit of a natural hillock; its plan and profile are irregular, and there is no trace of a cist or kerb. There are a number of stone clearance heaps associated with the nearby hut circle (NH79NW 13) in the vicinity, and this alleged cairn is probably clearance. Revised at 1:10,000.
Visited by OS (ECW) 5 April 1964.

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 7384 9843 (40m by 40m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH79NW
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	DORNOCH

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Investigations/Events (0)

External Links (2)