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MHG64748 - Barrow X - Upperton

Summary

A possible barrow.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Amidst the clearance heaps of a settlement (NH 33 SE 1) on a SW facing slope are two stony mounds (X and Y). (Visible on RAF air photograph 541/A/395: 3163-4)
'X' is oval, measuring c.8.0m E-W by c.7.0m transversely and c.o.6m high. It lies almost centrally within a level sub circular area scarped into the slope which is surrounded by a stony bank measuring 15.8m NW-SE by 14.0m transversely crest to crest. The bank is c.2.0m wide increasing to c.3.0m in the SE. No entrance is apparent, but there is a slight dip in the bank on the SE side, with a prostrate stone immediately inside it. This is probably a cairn with contemporary surrounding bank similar in some respects to NG.82 NE 14, but it could possibly be a cairn within a hut, the dip in the SE arc of the bank being a blocked entrance. The possibility that it is a clearance heap within a hut is remote, because of its central position and regular profile.
'Y' is oval with a mutilated top, and measures 9.2m NE-SW by 8.0m transversely. Around the W arc are the remains of a ditch, 0.3m deep, which may originally have encircled the mound. It is probably a cairn. Visited by OS (N K B) 1 October 1970

A North of Scotland Archaeological Society field visit took place to this site on 7 January 2017. The group concluded that the two features described as cairns were likely burial barrows. The larger barrow ‘X’ is much better preserved with a clear outer ditch and bank. The bowl barrow at Urchany (SM13523), although larger, shows some similarity in form to ‘X’. Drone aerial photography and photogrammetry was subsequently carried out over the barrows and the surrounding landscape. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2013 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 3921 3135 (24m by 23m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH33SE
Civil Parish	KILTARLITY AND CONVINTH
Geographical Area	INVERNESS

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

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External Links (1)