Clava Cairns
Sightseeing attraction | Inverness | Scotland | United Kingdom
Clava Cairns near Inverness, Scotland, is one of the most impressive prehistoric sites in Britain and a fascinating testament to the Bronze Age. This well-preserved cemetery complex, often also referred to as Balnuaran of Clava, consists of a group of cairns and stone circles constructed around 4,000 years ago. The site is located in a picturesque, wooded setting above the River Nairn, offering visitors insight into the burial practices and possibly the spiritual beliefs of people during this era. Clava Cairns is now part of Scotland's historical heritage and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, highlighting its significance as a tourist attraction and archaeological gem.
The complex consists of three main cairns arranged in a line from northeast to southwest. Two of these cairns are passage graves, with low southwest-facing entrances, while the middle one is a closed ring cairn without an entrance. Each cairn is surrounded by a circle of standing stones, graduated in height – the tallest ones are in the southwest, the smallest in the northeast. This alignment suggests that the builders placed special importance on the position of the setting sun at the winter solstice, possibly symbolizing death and rebirth. Some of the stones also bear "cup-and-ring markings," mysterious cup and ring patterns carved before the cairns were built, the purpose of which remains subject to speculative theories.
The cairns were used in two phases. The first phase dates back to around 2300 to 2000 BCE, when the original graves were built, likely for the burial of less prominent individuals or individual leaders, as few remains were found. After a long hiatus, the sites were reused about 1,000 years later in the Middle Bronze Age, with smaller monuments added, such as a "kerb cairn." This reuse indicates that the site retained a sacred or cultural significance over centuries. Archaeological investigations have revealed that the cairns were built on land previously used for agriculture, indicating a shift in land use from residential to burial purposes.
In addition to the three prominent cairns, there are remains of another cemetery nearby at Milton of Clava, with another cairn, standing stones, and the remains of a medieval chapel. This suggests that the entire area was once part of a larger complex. The construction of Clava Cairns is characteristic of a regional tradition in northeast Scotland, particularly around the Moray Firth. Overall, about 50 similar sites are known, with twelve in Inverness-shire, with Clava Cairns being the most famous and best-preserved.
The atmosphere on site is often described as mystical, enhanced by the surrounding ancient trees and remote location. The site has also gained cultural significance, serving as inspiration for the fictional stone circle "Craigh na Dun" in the popular series "Outlander," leading to an increase in visitors in recent years. Nonetheless, the site remains relatively quiet, inviting contemplation of the past. Information panels explain the history and significance of the cairns, highlighting the precision of the construction – such as the selection of stones by size and color.
For visitors, Clava Cairns offers a mix of historical interest and natural beauty. Access to the graves allows for entry into the inner chambers of the passage graves, although they are empty today. The stone circles and flat, uncovered mounds invite exploration of the site from various perspectives. Nearby is the famous battlefield of Culloden, often combined with a visit to this other historical site. The site's maintenance is exemplary, consciously avoiding excessive restoration to preserve its original character.
There is little criticism, although some visitors may find the site unremarkable if they expect large monuments like Stonehenge. Others appreciate the simplicity and undisturbed tranquility. The proximity to Inverness makes Clava Cairns an easily accessible destination for day trips, especially for those interested in archaeology, history, or Scottish myths. Overall, Clava Cairns is a place that impresses with its antiquity and the questions it raises – a window into a long-gone era that rewards both exploration and contemplation.
