Excavation and survey at the Giant’s Grave, Slochd Measach, Nereabolls, a Neolithic chambered cairn on the Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute

Mithen, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3391-7443, Maričević, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8647-6250, Berg-Hansen, I. M., Elliott, S., Fry, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9711-1131, Pelling, R. and Sheridan, A. (2023) Excavation and survey at the Giant’s Grave, Slochd Measach, Nereabolls, a Neolithic chambered cairn on the Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 152. pp. 9-52. ISSN 2056-743X doi: 10.9750/PSAS.152.1357

Abstract/Summary

The ‘Giant’s Grave’, formally known as Slochd Measach, Nereabolls, (SM3927) is located on the Isle of Islay in western Scotland and is one of seven confirmed Clyde Cairns on the island. We describe the standing remains and excavations between 2015-18 intended to address the origin, architecture and use of this monument. We found that the cairn was most likely constructed between 3516-336 cal BC in one continuous effort. It was modified and reused on at least four occasions during the Early and Late Bronze Age, and extensively robbed during the Iron Age. This post-Neolithic activity left a small collection of ceramic vessels may have been used for funerary purposes of votive offerings. We compare the architecture of the Giant’s Grave with that of other cairns on Islay and in the wider region.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/114426
Identification Number/DOI	10.9750/PSAS.152.1357
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Archaeology
Publisher	Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
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