Cairnholy Chambered Tomb # 1

This is a two Neolithic chambered tomb built in the 4th millenium BC with an impressive curving façade. There are in fact two chambered tomb sites that stand within just over 164 yards (150m) of each other in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh, Alba). They are known as Cairnholy # 1 and Cairnholy # 2  and the name Cairnholy derives from the Gaelic Càrn na h-ulaidhe ‘cairn of the stone tomb'. Both are very impressive. These are both tombs to honour the ancestors of the Neolithic farming communities that lived in this area between 6000 and 4000 years ago.

Cairnholy # 1 is a very spectacular site. The effort undertaken in its construction and the length of time that it was actively used as a focus for ceremonies highlights its importance. There is an impressive curving facade of standing stones and a forecourt leading to the burial chambers. Due to the acid soil conditions most of the bones had been dissolved by the time the tomb had been excavated in 1949. However, grave goods were found. Included was part of an axe made from jadeite. A stone of green sourced from the Alps. Giving an indication of the extent of trading links that existed at this time.

Both Cairnholy # 1 and # 2 are easy to reach and are clearly signposted and off the A75 road between Cardoness Castle and Carsluith Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. They are in a beautiful location on a gentle sloping hill above Kirkdale Glen looking towards Wigtown Bay and with the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) on the horizon.  We visited on a sunny September late afternoon. The tombs stood out magnificently against the hills and blue skies. This is a site that is definitely worth a visit. The monuments construction and placement was clearly of great spiritual importance when built in the 4th millennium BC.

Local tradition maintains that Cairnholy 2 was the tomb of the legendary Scottish King Galdus. The impact of deities, warriors and kings and queens of legend in all of the Celtic lands was so powerful that their names continue to be associated with geographical features and ancient monuments. 

Link: Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba.