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.

Abstract

The ‘Giant’s Grave’, formally known as Slochd Measach, Nereabolls (SM3927), is located on the Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute, in western Scotland and is one of seven confirmed Clyde cairns on the island. We describe the standing remains and the excavations between 2015 and 2017 intended to address the origin, architecture and use of this monument. We found that the cairn was most likely constructed between 3620 and 3360 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 that may have been used for funerary purposes or votive offerings. We compare the architecture of the Giant’s Grave with that of other cairns on Islay and in the wider region.