Mid-Argyll -
11
Temple Wood Stone Circles
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Site/Artefact
Temple Wood Stone Circles and
Cairns
Type
Standing Stone Circle
Site
Number
National Grid
Reference
1826 East
6978 North
Map (
1:25000)
Ordnance Survey Explorer No
358
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Excavation Details
Not Available
Description
Remains
of two stone circles lie within sight of
Kilmartin's linear cemetery and Nether Largie
standing stones. Excavations in 1929 and 1974-9
revealed a sequence of use over at least 2,000
years. One circle may date to 3,500. Burials and
pottery associated with the other are over 1000
years younger.
This is one of the few key sites around
Kilmartin which has been treated to a thorough,
modern excavation. Several features give an Irish
flavour to this west coast monument. It is thought
that the northern circle was constructed to align
with the mid-day sun on the winter solstice.
At the heart of the complex known as the
'Linear
Cemetery', Temple Wood was used several times
in different ways over a period of 2000 years after
the first construction, from around 3500 BC to 1400
BC. It found a new use when someone deposited a
hoard of coins there in the ninth century.
Access/Ownership
Managed by Historic Scotland, this site is fully
accessible, including disabled carpark and
gate.
References
- RCAHMS Argyll vol. 6 no. 228
- PSAS 64 (1929-30) p130-1
- PSAS 95 (1960-1) p18 no. 122
- GAJ vol 15 p53-125
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