
Cairn Holy II Chambered Cairn, Dumfries and Galloway
N 54° 51.548 W 004° 18.584
30U E 415927 N 6079901
Quick Description: A short walk up the track from parking leads to Cairn Holy II, said to be the tomb of the mythical King Galdus. Also known as Cairnholy II. Cairn Holy I is nearby. Both managed by Historic Scotland. Open all year. Free.
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/8/2007 9:23:52 AM
Waymark Code: WM2QJE
Views: 66
Long Description:This chambered cairn is about 21 x 12 metre and is less elaborate
than the nearby Cairn Holy I tomb.
There is no evidence of a façade, but the entrance is flanked by an
impressive 2.9 metre tall portal stone and its broken twin. In
front of the entrance there is a closing stone, now falling
down.
The chamber survives almost intact. It consists of slab-sided inner
and outer compartments, the inner still retaining its large
capstone.
Excavation in 1949 by S. Piggott and T.G.E. Powell revealed a
leaf-shaped arrowhead, a flint knife and Beaker pottery. The finds
are now in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland in
Edinburgh.
The site is said to be the grave of the mythical Scottish king
Caldus (Galdus or Gauldus).
In care of Historic Scotland. Free access.
Links
Modern Antiquarian
(visit link)
Ancient Stones of Scotland
(visit link)
Megalithic Portal
(visit link)