Excavation and survey at the Giant’s Grave, Slochd Measach, Nereabolls, a Neolithic chambered cairn on the Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute
chronology, architecture, reuse and demise
Excavation, Neolithic, Chambered Cairn, The Giant’s Grave, Isle of Islay
Nereabolls, Isle of Islay, Scotland, UK
Neolithic
Abstract
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.
