Arran, Bennan, Black Cave
Cave, Place Of Worship (Post Medieval), Shell Midden (Mesolithic)(Possible), Arrowhead (Prehistoric), Unidentified Flint(S) (Flint)(Prehistoric)
Site Name Arran, Bennan, Black Cave
Classification Cave, Place Of Worship (Post Medieval), Shell Midden (Mesolithic)(Possible), Arrowhead (Prehistoric), Unidentified Flint(S) (Flint)(Prehistoric)
Alternative Name(s) Monster Cave
Canmore ID 39664
Site Number NR92SE 9
NGR NR 99297 20264
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/39664
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Kilmory
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Buteshire
NR92SE 9 9930 2027.
(Name: NR 992 202) The Monster or Black Cave, the largest cave in Arran, is 80ft high, 40ft wide and 100ft deep, worn out by the action of the sea. Arrow-heads, chipped and polished, and flakes of flint, mingled with whelk and limpet shells, which have been found in it, indicate its use by prehistoric man. Until recently, it was used as a place of worship (McArthur 1873).
J McArthur 1873; C Hall 1912.
NR 9930 2027. Black Cave, name verified,is as described and is accessible from the landward side by a natural chimney at its end. Its floor is entirely boulder strewn and there is no visible indication of its prehistoric or recent religious use.
Visited by OS (J R L) 28 November 1977.
Reference (2005)
NR 9930 2027 Site identified as part of a coastal zone assessment survey.
M Cressey, S Badger, 2005.
Note (29 November 2018)
The location, classification and period of this site have been reviewed.
HES Survey and Recording 29 November 2018
