Cairn Holy - where to start with this site? On previous trips we have visited these Chambered Cairns. Cairn 1 with it's impresseive concave façade of tall pillar stones is a spectacale to see. The thought and time that went in to create the sight thousands of years ago is breath taking. The resources that must have been used to create this asymmetrical design with it's links to land and sky. The sight is something very special indeed. You can visit the Cairns for free, though there is a little donation box for the general preservation of these unique Cairns. Historic Scotland look after this special site.
As you leave Cairn 1 from the top gate it is just a quick walk up the path to Cairn 2, Cairn 2 may not be as grand in apperance but it is still something very special to behold, the sheer scale of the stone laid on top of the Cairn is impressive. Local legends indicate this to be the sight of the burial of a mythical Scottish King Gauldus. (I did not manage to get a photo of Cairn 2 without the kids in) On our previous visits we had the place to ourselves and we enjoyed the scenic views and the wonderful atmosphere that is captured here. However when we arrived at Cairn 1 there was a man taking photos of the Cairn and seemed to measuring different angles of shadows which was fascinating, having a very socialble 6 year old comes in handy as within no time at all conversation had been started with him. His name is Joseph and he is often to be found at Cairn 1 researching and learning all that the stones have to offer. Joseph engaged in conversation and told us how he came to be as he put it stuck at Cairn Holy. After several interesting stories we left Cairn Holy thinking we would not return until our next visit, However as we were leaving the next morning and driving past the kids asked to return for a quick visit before returning home. Jospeh was there again in the morning and with further enthusiastic conversation between us all about the Cairns and our thoughts to the meaning of them we enjoyed our second visit to Cairn Holy. Cairn Holy is well worth taking the time to go up and visit these unique chamberd Cairns and if you are lucky you may even encounter friendly and enthusiastic Joseph
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Alistair and Ffyona's TravelsOur adventure blog, little bit of history, our recommendations and a few photos... Archives
January 2019
Categories |