Cairn Lee

Heritage Site in Banffshire

Scotland

Cairn Lee

Mains of Melrose Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose. — Mains of Melrose Credit: Anne Burgess

Cairn Lee, located in Banffshire, Scotland, is a significant heritage site that holds historical and archaeological importance. This ancient monument stands on a hilltop in the parish of Fordyce, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The site is recognized for its impressive cairn, a man-made mound of stones, which dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3000 BC. The cairn is believed to have been a burial chamber or possibly a ceremonial site during this era. It is constructed from large boulders and covers a central chamber, which has unfortunately been largely destroyed over time.

The remains of the cairn indicate that it was once a substantial structure, standing around 7 meters in diameter. Excavations in the 19th century uncovered fragments of pottery, stone tools, and human bones, providing valuable insights into the lives and rituals of the people who inhabited the area thousands of years ago.

Today, Cairn Lee stands as a testament to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. It serves as a popular destination for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and tourists alike, who come to explore and appreciate the rich heritage of this site. The hilltop location also makes it a perfect spot for panoramic views of the picturesque Scottish landscape.

Cairn Lee is protected as a scheduled monument by Historic Environment Scotland, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Its historical significance, combined with its scenic location, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in delving into Scotland's ancient past.

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Cairn Lee Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.652/-2.41 or Grid Reference NJ7562. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mains of Melrose

Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose.

Anne Burgess

Scurrs of Greenside

Scurrs of Greenside is the name given to the flat rocks and shore here. It's an interesting word. I imagined at first that it was related to the Gaelic Sgùrr, meaning a conical hill, and I couldn't see the relevance. It turns out, however, that it is from Latin scurra, meaning a buffoon, from which English gets the word scurrilous. In Scots the meaning was extended to mean a low rascal or a sheriff's officer! Over time it came to mean anything low, which makes far more sense.

Anne Burgess

Scurrs of Greenside

Anne Burgess

Scurrs of Greenside

Anne Burgess

Sea Mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum)

The large daisy-like flowers are plentiful along the back of the beach here.

Anne Burgess

Sea Sandwort |(Honckenya peploides)

There's a large carpet of this plant on the sandy upper part of the beach. The green balls are seeds.

Anne Burgess

Rusting Metal

There is quite a selection of rusting metal on the rocks here, presumably the remains of a ship that had come to grief. These large chunks haven't moved since NJ7564 : Rusting Remains was taken ten years ago.

Anne Burgess

Winding Gear

The steel hawsers are rusted almost solid. I have yet to find out which ship it was that was wrecked here.

Anne Burgess

Rusting Engine Block

The engine has eight cylinders. I have not discovered the name of the vessel.

Anne Burgess

Cross-cutting Veins

It's easy to see that the vein from right to left cuts across the more vertical one, so it's not difficult to work out which vein was there first.

Anne Burgess

Oyster Plant (Mertensia maritima)

This is an uncommon plant, and it is close to the southern edge of its range here. The name is said to be because it tastes like oysters.

Anne Burgess

Oyster Plant (Mertensia maritima)

A close-up shot of the flowers of this is an uncommon plant, which is close to the southern edge of its range here. The name is said to be because it tastes like oysters.

Anne Burgess

Scurrs of Greenside

Anne Burgess

Scurrs of Greenside

Anne Burgess

Mains of Melrose

Fields of ripening barley on the undulating fields at the top of the cliffs at Melrose.

Anne Burgess

Quarry at Melrose

The sheen on the quarry face is because of the slaty fabric of the metamorphic rock being quarried.

Anne Burgess

Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata)

Not all plants with dandelion-like flowers are dandelions. Many of them - in fact most of those around here - are Catsear, which is very common indeed.

Anne Burgess