1016997 |
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This spectacular cairn, situated at a height of 289 m OD and thus a conspicuous landmark from several directions, measures some 70 m in diameter and 2.5 m in height. It was excavated in 1897 when the various stages in the building of the mound were revealed: at its centre there was a double cist, the corners of which were sealed with clay to make it watertight; the cist was surrounded by boulders and this central setting was covered by a mound of turves and edged with a kerb of large boulders; finally the mound was covered with stones. The central cist contained two heaps of cremated bones and a bronze dagger in one compartment, and a cremation deposit in the other. Perhaps because the cist was so carefully sealed, not only do the bronze dagger blade and the bronze rivets by which the hilt was attached survive in good condition, but also fragments of the ox-horn hilt and mountings for a sheath, which was probably made of skin. The dagger and mountings are in the RMS, Queen Street, Edinburgh. [...] |
1987 |
1016834 |
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The Chinese Bridge was built by the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane in the mid 18th century as a private estate bridge to allow pedestrians, riders and light carriages to cross the River Tay without requiring to leave the park surrounding Taymouth Castle. It derives its name from supposed eastern qualities in the design, yet its general appearance and proportion owe more to the arches and window tracery of Tudor Gothic than to eastern bridge construction. [...] |
1987 |
1016837 |
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The old lighthouse on the Isle of May was erected in 1636 as a direct response to a request by mariners on the understanding that they would have to pay a toll according to their tonnage. A Thomas Bikkertoun instigated the development in 1635, asking that the dues be similar to those charged by the English lights. The patent was granted to John Cunningham and Charles Geddes on the understanding that they would be allowed a reasonable and constant duty. This was set at four shillings Scots per ton for foreign vessels, including English, and two shillings per ton for Scottish ships. All ships entering Scottish waters between Dunnottar and St Abb's Head were subject to this tax. [...] |
1987 |