MHG652 - Site of Possible Cairn, Gallow Hill
Summary
Site of possible late neolithic-bronze age burial cairn. Previous interpretations have said this feature may be a 'Pictish Tower' or it may be natural.
Type and Period (2)
- CAIRN (Neolithic to Late Bronze Age - 4000 BC to 551 BC)
- (Alternate Type) BROCH? (Iron Age - 550 BC to 560 AD)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
Mound, Gallow Hill. Diameter: 40m. Mound set on larger circular mound most distinct on S & E sides. No structural traces visible.
R J Mercer, NMRS MS/828/19, 1995
The mound of 'Gallow Hill' is the deeply trenched and disfigured remains of a turf-covered cairn, situated prominently on a false crest. It measures approximately 18m in diameter and 1.5m high.
Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (J B) 15 February 1982
Gallow Hill (NR) (site of) OS 6" map, (1970)
Situated on top of hill, this whin and grass-covered mound has been so mutilated by spoil from a Y-shaped trench cut through it that the limits cannot be defined. The trench reveals a very stony content but no traces of walling can be seen.
Revised at 1:2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 17 February 1965
Gallow Hill (NAT) Tower (NR) OS 6" map, (1960)
The mound known as 'Gallow Hill' is natural (RCAHMS 1911) but OSA (1794) and NSA (1845) state that on top of the hill of Olrig there are evident remains of a watch tower; Morrison calls these the remains of a 'Pictish tower'.
OSA 1794; NSA 1845; H Morrison 1883; RCAHMS 1911
Sources/Archives (4)
- --- SHG2538 Text/Publication/Volume: Morrison, H. 1883. Tourist's guide to Sutherland and Caithness. 71.
- --- SHG2597 Text/Publication/Volume: NSA. 1845. The new statistical account of Scotland by the ministers of the respective parishes under the superintendence of a committee of the society for the benefit of the sons and daughters of the clergy. Vol. 15, (Caithness), 61.
- --- SHG2606 Text/Publication/Volume: Sir John Sinclair (ed.). 1791-9. The statistical account of Scotland, drawn up from the communications of the ministers of the different parishes. Vol. 12, 163.
- --- SHG2664 Text/Report: RCAHMS. 1911. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland. Third report and inventory of monuments and constructions in the county of Caithness. . 89, No. 330.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred ND 1770 6575 (14m by 14m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ND16NE |
| Civil Parish | OLRIG |
| Geographical Area | CAITHNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (1)
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/8387 (View RCAHMS Canmore entry for this site)
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