A history of Glencoe
There are so many fascinating historic sites in Glencoe and the surrounding area. Each artefact or location makes for the perfect sightseeing opportunity and there’s something for everyone; however, did you know that there are many historical events that have happened right here on the Woodlands Estate? From ancient prophecies to baronial houses with a story, it’s all going on!
One of the most fascinating chapters in its story comes from deep within the past. Tucked away in the trees right in front of the 1st tee on Woodlands Golf Course lies a prehistoric burial cist, a solemn yet fascinating reminder that the estate has been cherished for thousands of years.
A monument of importance
Burial cists weren’t simply created as practical resting places; they would have held deep spiritual and cultural meaning for the community that built it. Likely a resting place for someone of great importance. The cairn on the Woodlands Estate would have stood as a striking marker on the landscape; a focal point of remembrance for Bronze Age people.
Though the original cairn could have been a whopping 20m x 17m, it has sadly mostly eroded away; although the burial chamber itself remains, still capped with sturdy stone and brimming with ancient intrigue.
A cherished connection to the past
The Woodlands burial cist is a tangible reminder that this land has been cherished for millennia. It’s strange to think that this spot, now a prime location for perfecting your swing, once held profound significance for a community so long ago. The unique character of this location has drawn people to it for centuries.
Visitors are welcome to visit this remarkable site during your stay or simply if you’re passing through, but please remember to treat it with the respect it deserves. To help preserve its delicate history, we do ask you to stay behind the sign marking the area.
The wider landscape of burial cists
The ancient cist on the Woodlands Estate is far from the only one discovered in the Scottish Highlands. Across the region, archaeologists have uncovered 100s of similar sites, each with their own stories to tell.
In 2014, for instance, a team excavating under Ricky’s Cairn in the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula unearthed a Bronze Age burial cist containing the remains of at least two individuals.
Similarly, in 2018, archaeologists stumbled upon another Bronze Age burial cist near Drumnadrochit’s Kilmore site, during preparations for housing construction. While human remains hadn’t survived, fragments of a pot placed in the grave were recovered, offering a glimpse into the ritualistic aspects of Bronze Age burials.
These finds, scattered across the Highlands, paint a picture of a people deeply connected to their land, honouring their dead with elaborate care and respect.