Lochend, Stronsay

Lochend, Stronsay

(Kelsburgh/Kelsbir)

(Davidson & Henshall. 1989. The Chambered Cairns of Orkney)
Type:Orkney-Cromarty.
Rectangular cairn.
Stalled chamber
Location:Map
Notes:A prominent feature in an area of flat rough grazing, just above high water, its north-western end terminating at the broken wall edging the shore.

The long sides of the turf-covered mound rise steeply to a height of 1.5m, and the straight edges are well defined. The south-eastern end drops more gently to an irregular rise in the ground. The north-western end has been robbed and affected by coastal erosion.

The cairn measures approximately 23m long by 12m wide.

The centre the cairn has been much disturbed with the tops of seven slabs set transversely to the SE to NW axis projecting from the turf, suggesting the long chamber consisted of at least seven compartments. The location of its entrance passage is not known. 
Links:Canmore
References:Davidson, J. L. & Henshall, A. S. (1989). The Chambered Cairns of Orkney. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Kelsbir cairn from the landward side. (Sigurd Towrie)
September 2022. Looking across the top of the cairn. (Sigurd Towrie)
September 2022. The mound from the shore to the east.
September 2022. A wider view of the mound from the east. (Sigurd Towrie)
September 2022. The remains of the ruined 19th century cottage, Kelsburgh, in the midground. In the foreground is an earthfast stone (presumably relating to the cottage outbuildings) with the cairn rear left. (Sigurd Towrie)
Aerial view of the chambered cairn, showing the extent of the Kelsburgh cottage, outbuildings and boundaries. (maps.bing.com)