MHG60221 - Kerb cairn - Lowmount Estate, Auldearn
Summary
A small kerb cairn on the Lowmount Estate to the southeast of Auldearn.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
A small kerb cairn on the Lowmount Estate on the southern edge of Lower Broadshaw Wood, to the southeast of Auldearn.
As a feature it was first brought to the attention of the Highland Council Historic Environment Team in early 2025 by J L Marchet, who had excavated three trenches into it but was unsure as to what it was. <1>
The feature is not shown on any historic OS maps but has previously been visible, though not recognised as an archaeological feature, as a roughly circular vegetation and most latterly gorse covered mound measuring c.8m in diameter on vertical aerial photography. It is also visible in Scottish Gov/SEPA LiDAR data. <2> <3> <4> <5>
It is currently (as of 07/05/2026) being evaluated and investigated by members of NoSAS. Initial work has revealed the remains of the outer kerb, providing the site type identification, and also that it appeared to have been disturbed at some time in the past, with the aforementioned 2025 trenches and previous mechanical gorse removal also contributing to the current poor state of the feature [Pers Comm M Sharpe].
More information is expected to be forthcoming as the 2026 works progress.
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SHG30025 Text/Correspondence: Marchet, J. L.. 2025. Possible archaeological sites on the Lowmount Estate near Auldearn. Unaffiliated. Yes. Digital.
- <2> SHG27491 Image/Photograph(s)/Aerial Photograph/Vertical: Get Mapping. 1999-2001. Get Mapping colour vertical aerial photography 1999-2001 (The Millennium Map). 2005.
- <3> SHG27382 Image/Photograph(s)/Aerial Photograph/Vertical: Get Mapping. 2009. Getmapping aerial photography 2009.
- <4> SHG29248 Dataset/Geospatial Data: Atkins & BLOM. 2011-12. LiDAR for Scotland Phase 1 - DSM. Atkins & Blom.
- <5> SHG29455 Image/Photograph(s)/Aerial Photograph/Vertical: Get Mapping. 2023. Getmapping aerial photography 2023. XY
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NH 9607 5262 (19m by 19m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH95SE |
| Unitary Authority | HIGHLAND |
| Civil Parish | ARDCLACH |
| Geographical Area | NAIRN |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (0)
Comments and Feedback
Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.