Introduction
Balnuaran of Clava, or ‘Clava Cairns’ as commonly known, is one of the most important prehistoric sites on mainland Scotland.
Video clip of Clava Cairns site.
The site is open throughout the year and is conveniently close to Culloden Battlefield, about six miles east of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to connection with the Outlander series.
Site Information-Tranche 1
Clava Cairns is a prehistoric cemetery which dates from around 2000 BC albeit on a site previously used by prehistoric peoples for domestic purposes. The cemetery site experienced two stages of use:
- Around 2000 BC a row of up to five burial cairns were erected of which three remain.
- Around 1000 BC the site was re-used and the small Kerb Cairn built. This activity coincided with ending of stone circle building which was also a time of climate change as manifested in slightly wetter and cooler conditions.
North-Eastern Cairn
This is a passage grave intended for a single body, presumably that of a high status person. The passage is aligned to the mid-winter solstice. Originally completely closed. The Cairn is surrounded by a graded stone circle, which is actually an ellipse. Other passage graves can be found at Maes Howe on Orkney and Newgrange in Ireland.
Image of Cup marked stone embedded in foundations of N.E. tomb is shown below. Such cup markings are widespread in Scotland but purpose and date are not known. Usually found in proximity to Neolothic sites. This partiucular stone may have meant nothing to the builders of the cairn and could have been found lying on the landscape.
Site Information-Tranche 2
Central Cairn
This is a Ring Cairn, not a passage grave, which was positioned so as not to obstruct the view between the N.E. and S.W. cairns. It was never roofed, whilst the now empty interior was originally filled with rubble.
South-Western Cairn
Also aligned to mid-winter sun. When first constructed this cairn was substantially higher and completely roofed.
Kerb-Circle
Situated 50 feet to east of Ring-Cairn. Maximum 12 feet in internal diameter.
Overall, an excellent and easily accessible site for visitors wishing to connect with the prehistoric period.
Accessing Clava Cairns
The site is about two miles south of Culloden Battlefield, along narrow roads. Parking is available and access is permitted 24/7 with free entrance.
More information
For more information on the prehistoric period and other facets of Scotland for tourists please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4