The “Scotland’s Earliest Megalithic Monuments” project is a two-year archaeological initiative funded by a £50,000 grant from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to Archaeology Scotland. Announced in late 2024, this project aims to investigate, document, and raise awareness of Neolithic chambered cairns and passage tombs, which are believed to be among the earliest monuments built by Scotland’s first farmers, approximately 6,300 to 5,800 years ago.
Achnacreebeag Chambered Cairn is the first of the archaeological digs to be undertaken.
The Chambered Cairn of Achnacreebeag is our first dig of the Exploring Scotland’s earliest megaliths project. We believe this monument could be amongst the earliest monuments in Scotland. We will be excavating at least two trenches at the site to determine the presence of any archaeological remains and to characterize these remains, the preservation, phasing and chronology of the site.
The excavation will run from Wednesday 18th March until Friday 27th March (no activity on site Monday 23rd March). We will start at 10 am and finish up around 4pm each day.
Please do get in touch with Eleanor and Phil at adopt@archaeologyscotland.org.uk if you would like to be involved and book in a space on the excavation. Just so you are aware spaces are more limited on this excavation due to the nature of the site. We will provide joining instructions – what to bring, where to meet etc nearer the time- but no experience is necessary.
Young people Guided tours – We have been helping Phil and Eleanor with contacts for our local schools and youth groups – please feel free to get in touch if you know of any who might be interested in attending a guided tour to learn about our local heritage and how an archaeological dig works.
There is also a plan for an Open Day likely at Victory Hall, Benderloch to provide a wider opportunity to learn about the Project, the Cairn and the discoveries. We promise to keep you informed.
We will be updating this page with information, useful links and background.