Caithness contains some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Scotland. One of the most impressive monument types are the chambered cairns, great mounds of stone, used for burials by the first farmers around 6000 years ago. Caithness has many fine examples of which Camster is perhaps the most famous. Chambered cairns would have been built by a local community working together. Although many cairns have been excavated we know very little about how they were actually built, how long they would have taken to build, and how many times they collapsed!

Between the 10th and 30th July 2004, CAT began building parts of a chambered cairn at Spittal. We did not work alone - we were directed by John Barber, Director of AOC Archaeology Group, a leading expert in chambered cairn studies. The overall aim of the project was to relive a community project carried out by our Caithness ancestors almost 6000 years ago! The project hoped to involve as much of the community as possible. Ideally, we hoped that people of various ages and strengths will help us in every stage of the project, from collecting the stone, right through to building the cairn.

The initial work involved the construction of structural elements used in the construction of chambered cairns. In particular, the erection of orthostats (large flat slabs set vertically in the ground) and corbelled structures (dry-stone, arch-like structures used to form vaulted stone roofs).

As far as possible constructional techniques were limited to those that would have been available in the Neolithic, however modern equipment was used, as necessary, to ensure the safety of the participants.

Erection of orthostats

Experimental corbelled structure

The project was an enormous success. As well as learning how to build parts of a cairn CAT were amazed by the community support and response. Over the three weeks more than 150 people visited or helped on site. We averaged around 15 people on site every day.

Allied to the chambered cairn building was a series of landscape tours, lectures and children's activities. Although children were encouraged to attend at any time special children's days were organised for Saturday 17th and 24th. These days involved a variety of activities from helping build the chambered cairn through to baking and pottery-making! So even if you didn't want to lift stones, you could still come and relive life in Spittal 6000 years ago! Anyone was welcome to attend for as long as they wished.

An evening lecture also took place on Monday 19th July 8.00pm at Spittal Village Hall. John Barber, Andy Heald and Lesley Myatt gave short presentations on aspects of the project and wider Caithness archaeology. The lecture was well-attended by over 60 people.

CAT wish to thank everyone who helped. Particular thanks must go to Sandy Sutherland and A & D Sutherland Ltd, John Gunn and Sons Ltd, O' Briens Construction Ltd and Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise. Final thanks must go to all the volunteers and friends who helped, especially those from the thriving Spittal Community.