Parkburn

Parkburnt NT 2994 6740 NT26NE 27

In 1965 a cist containing a Food Vessel (RMS, EE 156) was found during the excavation of the Park burn long cist cemetery (no. 41). Aligned N and S, the cist was built of four large sandstone slabs and measured 0.9m by 0.45m and about 0.45m in depth. The E side-slab was in re-use, for it bore part of a heavily weathered multiple ring-mark (RMS, 1A 49). The Food Vessel is bipartite, with four lugs and all-over decoration. See also NT26NE 28.

RCAHMS 1988

(Henshall 1966a, 208-12; Morris 1981, 154, LTN 12; Cowe 1983, 70, no. 45)

Date fieldwork started: 02/03/2020

Compiled by: ScRAP

Location notes: National Museum of Scotland Collection, X.IA.49

Panel notes: A rectangular block of sandstone that was found in a cist in Parkburn quarry (Canmore ID 51696; HER ID MEL8075), also containing a food vessel (PSAS 1998). The edges of the stone look quite crisp and the surface texture is mostly rough with the exception of a smoother and rounded part, where the motifs were carved. The rock has inclusions of iron. Six concentric semi-circles were pecked on the edge of the stone. Given their location on the panel, it has been suggested that these are part of truncated cup-and-ring symbols, although this is unlikely as the curvature of the grooves is more similar to 'U' shaped motifs. The diameter of the larger arc is 26cm and the smaller one is 4cm. There are three mini-cups and faint tool marks. The sides of the stone seem to have been pick-dressed. According to the publication, the carvings were facing inwards in the cist, with the motifs facing upwards, right next to the food vessel. Currently in the National Museum of Scotland Collection Centre, Edinburgh