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MHG70 - Chambered Cairn, Greadal Fhinn

Summary

Neolithic chambered cairn containing two chambers. Scheduled.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The cairn is situated in a spectacular location, overlooking Kilchoan Bay and the Sound of Mull. The cairn is as described in 1972 and all the major stones in both chambers are still in situ. (RCAHMS, 1980, 45) The capstone of the larger chamber measures 1.60m by 1.70m.
Field Verification Project - J Robertson, 03/2004

Greadal Fhinn (NAT) Chambered Cairn (NR)
OS 1:10,000 map, (1974)

Chambered Cairn, Greadal Fhinn: This cairn occupies the summit of a broad knoll situated about 300m NW of Ormsaigmore. Nearly circular on RCAHMS plan, it measures 22.6m by 21.3m, but it has been extensively robbed of its stone and stands at most to a height of 0.6m. Close to the S edge there is a slab, measuring 1.5m by 0.9m and leaning slightly outwards, which may have been an original kerb-stone. Local tradition states that there were once several upright stones at the edge of the cairn, and in 1909 Grieve thought he could trace 13 hollows where they had stood.
There are two burial-chambers, the more central being a simple cist-like construction, while that on the SE side is a passage-grave.
Seven upright stones and one of the capstones of the passage-grave survive, and the stumps of two other stones are still visible. Aligned ESE and WNW and entered through a short passage measuring 1.4m by 0.9m, the chamber is composed of five substantial slabs still standing to a height of 1.55m. The chamber measures 3.2m by 1.9m internally and is divided from the N side of the passage by a transverse slab; a similar slab on the S side may have been destroyed. A dislodged capstone blocks the passage at this point.
The smaller chamber, rectangular on plan and measuring 1m by 0.75m, is composed of four upright slabs covered by a capstone. A narrow opening at the SE corner of the chamber may be the original entrance, as this is flanked by two stones which just protrude through the turf.
This chambered cairn was in a similar condition when seen in 1962 and 1970.
Surveyed at 1:2500 (Visited by OS {N K B} 5 June 1970).
Grieve 1911; A S Henshall 1972, visited 1962; RCAHMS 1980, visited 1972.

Pottery from Greadal Fhinn is on display at West Highland Museum. Possibly Neolithic in date but this needs confirming. <1>

Sources/Archives (7)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NM 47658 63978 (80m by 80m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NM46SE
Civil Parish	ARDNAMURCHAN
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

Finds (1)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (0)

External Links (2)