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Cairn, Borrowstone Rig, Lauder. |
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Description
The remains of a 14m diameter burial cairn can be found to the
west of the sheep fold beside Borrowston Rig Stone Circle. The
cairn only reaches a height of 0.60m at best and has probably
been robbed to build the dry-stone sheep fold nearby. Of notable
interest are two large stone slabs set on edge, the largest
reaching almost 1.00m high. The size and arrangement of these
two earth-fast stones suggests that the cairn covered a small,
megalithic, non-rectangular structure but its precise nature is
not evident. There are also six noticeable marks and depressions
on the largest of the two stones. Some resemble cup marks but
they may also be due to natural weathering.
Directions
From Lauder, follow the A697 for Duns. Turn left at High Cross
then right at Newbigging Walls. Follow the road to Barncastle
Farm. Walk down the track to the valley floor then head directly
uphill and across the moor. A good guide for the cairn's location
is the dry stone sheep fold. The stones of the cairn can be seen
near the fence.
Parking
By roadside at Barncastle Farm or alternatively, request
permission to park in the farm yard.
Fieldnotes
This most interesting site was found during my initial visit to
048 Borrowstone Rig Stone Circle and is worth a visit in it's
own right. In fact, the stones are larger and more interesting
than those of the stone circle itself. A point worth noting
here, is there can often be additional and sometimes better
stones in and around the area you have set our to visit. Always
keep an eye open for additional stones and scan the horizon and
surround area with binoculars.
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