Ballymeanoch facts for kids
Ballymeanoch is a very old place in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland. Its name comes from Scottish Gaelic and means "the middle settlement." This site has many ancient structures built by people long ago.
These structures include rows of tall standing stones, a stone circle, and a henge with a small burial cairn. Experts believe the stone circle and standing stones are the oldest parts. They were built more than 4,000 years ago! The tallest stone at Ballymeanoch is about 4 metres (12 feet) high. Some of the stones have special carvings called cup and ring marks. These are ancient symbols carved into the rock.
Contents
What is Ballymeanoch?
Ballymeanoch is a group of very old stone structures. These were built by people during the Neolithic period. This time is also known as the New Stone Age. It was a time when people started farming and building permanent homes.
Ancient Stone Structures
The site has different types of stone structures. Each one tells us something about the people who lived here.
The Standing Stones
There are two main rows of standing stones. One row has four stones, and the other has two. These tall stones stand upright in the ground. They might have been used for ceremonies or to mark important places. The two middle stones in the four-stone line have many cup and ring marks. These are circular patterns carved into the stone. We don't know exactly what they mean, but they are very interesting.
The Stone Circle
Near the standing stones, there is a stone circle. This is a circular arrangement of stones. Stone circles were often used for special events or rituals. They are a common type of ancient monument found in Scotland.
The Henge and Cairn
Ballymeanoch also has a henge. A henge is a circular area of ground. It is usually surrounded by a ditch and a bank. Inside the henge, there is a small burial cairn. A cairn is a mound of stones built over a burial site. This shows that Ballymeanoch was also a place where people buried their dead.
Why is Ballymeanoch Important?
Ballymeanoch is a very important historical site. It helps us learn about the people who lived in Scotland thousands of years ago.
A Scheduled Ancient Monument
The entire site is protected as a scheduled ancient monument. This means it is a nationally important archaeological site. Historic Environment Scotland protects it. This helps make sure these ancient structures are preserved for the future.
Visiting Ballymeanoch
The Ballymeanoch site is on a private sheep farm. But visitors can still explore it. There are special paths that lead through the fields. These paths run between fences to keep people safe. The site is close to another ancient burial place called Dunchraigaig cairn. There is a car park nearby for visitors.
