History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
The site was excavated in 1864, when a single cist, or burial chamber, was found at its centre. This cist contained a necklace made of jet, with 26 beads and a couple of spacer plates. Unfortunately, this necklace was later destroyed in a fire. However, other remains found during the excavation can still be seen. These include a ceramic vessel, on display in Kilmartin House Museum, which overlooks Glebe Cairn from the northern edge of the village.
A second, fragmented vessel was found in another cist near the centre of the cairn. Both of the vessels are similar to pots of the same date discovered in Ireland, so there is a possibility that they were imported from there.
The earliest construction on the site appears to have been a pair of concentric rings of stones in the southwest corner. This is probably contemporary with the central cist; that is, early Bronze Age.
It is a very short walk from Glebe Cairn to the Nether Largie cairns further down the glen.
About Glebe Cairn
Address: Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: Off the A816 at the northern edge of Kilmartin village
Website: Glebe Cairn
OS: NR832 989
Photo Credit: Patrick Mackie, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
Bronze Age (Architecture) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
Kilmartin Sculptured Stones - 0.3 miles (Historic Church)
Kilmartin Crosses - 0.3 miles (Historic Church)
Nether Largie Cairns - 0.4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Kilmartin Museum - 0.4 miles (Museum)
Temple Wood Stone Circles - 0.8 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nether Largie Standing Stones - 0.8 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Ballygowan Cup and Ring Marks - 1.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Ri Cruin Cairn - 1.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Accommodation to Glebe Cairn:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Glebe Cairn. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Nearest Bed and Breakfasts