Welcome to Kilmartin Glen, an important prehistoric site in the western Highlands of Scotland

Overview of Kilmartin Glen Prehistoric Site

Kilmartin Glen is a very ancient site located south of Oban on the West of Scotland. Key focus is the extensive prehistory comprising cairns, standing stones, stone circles, barrows, henges and rock carvings. There are also other sites such as a fort and castle which date from the first and second millennia AD. The local geology and ecology add other dimensions to this fascinating landscape which has been occupied by man since departure of the glaciers some 10,000 years ago.

Summary Information on Kilmartin Glen Prehistoric Site

Summary information is provided below to assist guests to determine focus and objectives in course of a tour which will, typically, last one full day.

In history, the Kilmartin Glen was evidently of profound significance to the peoples of the time as evidenced by the unusual concentration of more than 150 prehistoric and historic sites which sit within a six mile radius of the Kilmartin village. These sites include burial cairns, rock-carvings, standing stones, stone circles, medieval castles, ancient grave stones depicting warfriors, early Christian crosses, deserted croft houses and the fortress of early Scottish Kings. There is an excellent museum and information centre located in Kilmartin village, close to the church.

Like many other Kil-names in the west of Scotland, Kilmartin indicates an early Christian site, probably dating from the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries AD. Kil is linked to the modern word cell. Kilmartin was probably named after a St. Martin.

Here is a summary of the key sites which can be found in and around Kilmartin’s linear prehistoric cemetery which extends for over a mile along the valley floor:-

Glebe Cairn

A burial cairn now comprising a rounded pile of stones and which dates from between 2000 and 1500 BC.

Nether Largie North

A burial cairn which probably dates from between 2000 BC and 1500BC.

Nether Largie Mid Cairn

The middle cairn of the string of five cairns. The site was excavated in 1929 when two cists were found one of which was decorated with carved axe heads and is still visible.

Nether Largie South

This is the only chambered cairn of the linear cemetery and may date to around 3000 BC. Excavation sin the 19th century revealed two pots which can be viewed in the Kilmartin Museum.

Ri Cruin Cairn: Most southerly of the five cairns and dates from about 2000-1500 BC. This cairn has been subject to no less than three excavations which revealed three cists. Still visible is the carvings of axeheads on one of the slabs.

Temple Wood Stone Circles

In use for a long period commencing around 3500 BC through to about 1050 BC and subject to extensive alteration over the long period of use. There are two circles; the northern structure was originally of wood and then replaced by stone. Another circle was built to the south around 3000 BC. The reconstructed site today shows how the site would have looked in its final phase.

Nether Largie Stones

Located about 250M SE of Temple Wood, this site comprises two pairs of uprights with settings of four and five stones in between. Three of the stones are decorated with carvings.

Ballymeanoch Stones

Six standing stones remain of what may originally have been an extensive complex of monuments and earthworks. The stones are arranged in two parallel lines some of which are decorated with cup marks and cup and ring marks.

Ballymeanoch Henge

 The only henge monument in the west of Scotland and probably dates from 3,000 BC to 2500 BC. Used for burials around 2000 BC. Two burial cists were found within the henge. (A henge is a ring-shaped bank and ditch, not a stone circle.)

Ballymeanoch Kerb Cairn

Originally circular and now much depleted. May date from around 1300 BC.

Dunchcraigaig Cairn

Used for a mix of burial practices 2000 BC-1500 BC. Excavators recovered two pots which are in the National Museum of Scotland.

Baluachraig Stone Carvings

Extensive collection of prehistoric cups and rings etched into the bedrock above Kilmartin valley floor.

Kilmichael Carvings

Two sets of prehistoric rock carvings including cups and rings.

Achnabreck Carvings

Two separate outcrops which comprise the most extensive group of pre-historic carvings in Scotland. The carvings mainly consist of cups and rings.

Cairnbaan Carvings

Two groups of prehistoric rock carvings located high on a hill above Cairnbaan.

Ormaig Carvings

Exposed as recently as 1974 and hence the outcrop of rock carvings are well preserved.

Kintraw Standing Stone and Cairn

Two cairns, an enclosure and a 4M high stone. Overlooks Loch Craignish and the Sound of Jura.

Castle Dounie

A dun or fort overlooking the sound of Jura.

Dunadd

Iconic site which stands on a rocky outcrop to the south of Kilmartin Glen. Occupied 5th-10th centuries AD, firstly by the Scottie who came from Ireland and gave their name to Scotland. This was probably a high status power base as evidenced by the archaeological evidence of luxury goods finds. There is also a stone carving of a boar and footprint with the latter possibly used in inauguration ceremonies. Access to the top is via rough path which affords superb views  over the local countryside. 

Old Parish Church

Kilmarie, Craignish: A romantic ruin possibly dating from the 13th century. Contains an interesting collection of medieval carved slabs dating from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Kilmartin Church

Dates from 1836 but on a site where there has been a succession of churches since at least the 14th century. The church and churchyard contain an extensive and impressive collection of medieval grave slabs dating from the 14th-15th centuries AD.

Carnassarie Castle

A romantic ruin dating from the 16th century when it was built for John Carswell, Bishop of the Isles. Suffered extensive hostile action in 1685 and never repaired.

Hints and tips for visitors to Kilmartin Glen

For a general overview to connect with this historic landscape, allow at least one full day and come prepared with waterproof clothing and robust footwear. Start at Kilmartin Museum and the nearby church and then walk down the Glen (valley) visiting the various cairns, stone circles, standing stones and rock carvings. It is possible to access the key sites by car by planning ahead and using official car parks along the road to ‘dip in and out’ of the key sites along the route of the Glen. However, in most cases, a car will be required to access the more remote sites like Achnabreck rock carvings at the southern end of the Glen.More Information

More Information

For more information on Kilmartin Glen and other prehistoric sites in Scotland such as Orkney refer publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4