Kilmartin Monuments
SCRAN
Name: Ri Cruin Ri Cruin Cairn
Type:
Round Cairn
NGR:
NR 825971
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Description

The most southerly cairn of the linear cemetery. Now surrounded by the exotic trees planted in the mid-19th century as part of the planned parkland landscape that appropriated a number of local monuments as secluded "picnic spots". The cairn is largely reconstructed and contains three cists. One cist has collapsed and only the side slabs remain. Another lies just inside the kerb of stones, set into a pit. It is partly covered by a large capstone and has an end slab decorated with axes. It appears that a now removed lime kiln was built into the fabric of the cairn in the 18th century.


Excavation Details

Excavated by Mapleton in 1870, Craw in 1929 and Childe in 1936, the cairn is now largely a reconstruction. Three cists were found, two with grooved side-slabs. A third contained a slab with a vertical groove and short strokes at right angles. The cist's end-slab is decorated with carved axes.


Access / Ownership
Maintained by Historic Scotland, foot access via path running along in front of Ri Cruin farmhouse.

Published References
  • RCAHMS Argyll vol 6 no. 76
  • PSAS 8 (1868-70) p378-81
  • PSAS 64 (1929-30) p131-4
  • PSAS 95 (1961-2) p18 no. 119, p38 no. 270
  • Morris The Prehistoric Rock Art of Argyll 1977 p117, ARG 74
  • Campbell & Sandeman, 18, no.119; 38, no.270
Abbreviated References

Kilmartin House, Kilmartin, Argyll, Scotland, PA31 8RQ.
Tel: 0044(0) 1546 510 278 Fax: 0044(0) 1546 510 330 E-mail: museum@khouse.demon.co.uk