Brothers' Stones, Brotherstone Hill
Standing Stone(S) (Prehistoric)
Site Name Brothers' Stones, Brotherstone Hill
Classification Standing Stone(S) (Prehistoric)
Canmore ID 57173
Site Number NT63NW 2
NGR NT 6190 3600
NGR Description NT 6190 3600 and NT 6189 3601
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/57173
- Council Scottish Borders, The
- Parish Mertoun
- Former Region Borders
- Former District Ettrick And Lauderdale
- Former County Berwickshire
Two standing stones, known as the 'Brothers' Stones', occupy a prominent position on the summit of Brotherstone Hill. They appear to be aligned with a third standing stone - the 'Cow Stone' - which lies farther down the slope of the hill to the north-east, some 380m away.
The south-east stone is the larger of the two, rising to a height of about 2.5m. It stands 14m away from the smaller stone, which is just under 2m in height. Both have packing stones around their bases.
These standing stones were probably contemporary with the nearby 'Cow Stone'. Together, these standing stones formed a larger complex of ceremonial monuments probably dating to the third or second millennium BC.
Text prepared by RCAHMS as part of the Accessing Scotland's Past project
NT63NW 2 6190 3600 and 6189 3601
(A: NT 6190 3600, B: NT 6189 3601) Brothers' Stones (NR)
OS 6" map, (1967).
Brothers' Stones: This pair of standing stones straddles the summit of Brotherstone Hill (800ft OD). The stones are 14yds apart, 'A', to the SE, is as close to the lip of the narrow summit area as ground conditions would allow a stone to be erected while 'B' is within 6yds of the lip on the NW side. Both stones are packed around their bases in the usual manner, and they are doubtless of ancient origin. Stone 'A' is 8ft high, while 'B' is 5ft 3ins in height
RCAHMS 1956.
These standing stones, which are 16m apart, are generally as described and illustrated by the RCAHMS.
Revised at 1/2500.
Visited by OS (RDL), 23 September 1962.
Publication Account (1985)
Brotherstone Farm has a traditional courtyard steading with a farm-chimney indicating a one-time steampowered barn threshing mill. Near the top of the gentle little hill beyond are two large standing stones, set as a pair nearly 13m apart and packed around their bases to keep them firm. The south-easterly, larger stone stands nearly 2.5m highi the north-westerly to 1.6m. Both are of considerable girth and taper slightly towards the top.
Some 250m down the north-east shoulder of Brotherstone Hill (NT 621362) stands a much bulkier, equally tall mass of rock 2m high. Evidently split off from an outcrop, it too is packed around the base with broken stone. Known as 'The Cow Stone', its alignment between the smaller of the Brothers' Stones and Hareheugh Craigs a little south-west of Hume Castle may-or may not-be significant!
Information from 'Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Lothian and Borders', (1985).
Sbc Note (15 April 2016)
Visibility: Standing structure or monument.
Information from Scottish Borders Council
