Croft Moraig Stone Circle

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a complex double stone circle, lying over a setting of timber posts. The site and a small area around it was excavated in 1965. The first phase of activity was represented by a horse-shoe shaped setting of about 14 posts, open towards the SW, and other posts. In the second phase the area of the post setting was levelled and an oval setting of stones was erected.

In the third phase a stone circle was erected around the oval setting; two outliers were set up to the SE. Empty graves were also located. The area to be scheduled measures 60m in diameter, centred on the circle, to include the circle and an area around it in which traces of activity associated with its construction and use might survive. The existing modern fences and the modern road are specifically excluded.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as an unusual ceremonial site of the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age with very well preserved field characteristics. Excavation has revealed the sequence of events on the site but did not extend much beyond the stone setting, into areas where we would now expect to find further evidence of activity; the stone sockets were also not investigated in 1965. The monument as now proposed for scheduling has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of ritual and funerary activity on the periphery of a ceremonial site.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NN 74 NE 12.

Reference:

Piggott, S. and Simpson, D. D. A. (1971) ‘Excavation of a stone circle at Croft Moraig, Perthshire, Scotland’, Proc Prehist Soc, vol. 37, 1-14.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland