Torrylin Cairn: A Neolithic Chambered Tomb on the Isle of Arran
Explore Torrylin Cairn, a Neolithic chambered tomb on the Isle of Arran, revealing ancient burial rites and prehistoric connections to the landscape.
Torrylin Cairn, located near Lagg on the Isle of Arran, is a Neolithic chambered tomb dating back to around 3300 BCE. This Clyde-type cairn features a long, four-compartment burial chamber aligned toward Ailsa Craig, reflecting ancient ritual and burial practices. Although much disturbed over centuries, it remains a significant archaeological site offering insight into prehistoric life and ceremonies in southwest Scotland.
A brief summary to Torrylin Cairn
- Isle of Arran, Lagg, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear for the half-mile walk from the car park to the cairn, as the path crosses natural terrain.
- Visit in quiet hours to fully appreciate the tranquil and solitary atmosphere of this ancient site.
- Combine your visit with nearby Machrie Moor to experience a wider range of Arran’s prehistoric monuments.
- Bring a camera or sketchbook to capture the unique alignment of the cairn toward Ailsa Craig and the surrounding landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus and Walk
Take the local bus service from Brodick or Lamlash to the village of Lagg, a journey of approximately 25 to 40 minutes depending on connections. From Lagg, enjoy a half-mile walk along a signposted path to reach Torrylin Cairn. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £6 one way. Note that bus frequency may be limited on weekends and holidays.
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Car and Walk
Drive to the car park near Lagg village on the Isle of Arran. The drive from Brodick takes about 20 minutes. Parking is free but limited, so arriving early is advisable during peak seasons. From the car park, a half-mile walk over uneven terrain leads to the cairn.
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Bicycle and Walk
Cyclists can reach Lagg via quiet country roads from Brodick or other parts of Arran, with a ride time of 30 to 50 minutes depending on starting point and fitness. Secure bike parking is limited, so bring appropriate locks. The final half-mile to the cairn is on foot along a natural path.
Torrylin Cairn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Torrylin Cairn
Origins and Architectural Design of Torrylin Cairn
Torrylin Cairn is a classic example of a Clyde cairn, a type of Neolithic chambered tomb prevalent in southwest Scotland around 3300 BCE. The cairn originally featured a crescent-shaped forecourt framed by standing stones, leading into a long rectangular burial chamber divided into four compartments by stone slabs. This chamber measures approximately 6.7 meters in length and 1.2 meters in width. The structure is aligned nearly north-south, oriented toward Ailsa Craig, a prominent granite island known in Gaelic as the 'Fairy Rock,' indicating deliberate astronomical or spiritual alignment by its builders.Historical Use and Archaeological Discoveries
The cairn served as a place of ritual and burial for over a millennium. Excavations in the 19th and early 20th centuries uncovered the remains of six adults, a child, and a baby within the southernmost chamber, though none were complete skeletons. Alongside human bones, archaeologists found animal bones, a Neolithic lugged bowl, and flint tools, suggesting ritual feasting and complex funerary customs. The presence of hearths at forecourts of similar cairns implies that ceremonies involving fire and offerings likely took place here. Over time, the cairn was plundered for stone, ploughed, and used for dumping, which has left it considerably smaller and deprived of its original forecourt and façade.Cultural Significance and Local Folklore
Torrylin Cairn holds a place of reverence and superstition in local tradition. Historical accounts mention that islanders regarded burial cairns with dread, associating them with supernatural forces. A local tale warns of a grim fate befalling a farmer who quarried stone from the cairn, reflecting the deep cultural respect and fear these ancient monuments inspired. The cairn’s alignment and construction underscore the Neolithic community’s connection to the landscape and their spiritual beliefs.Setting and Visitor Experience
Situated near the village of Lagg on the southern Isle of Arran, Torrylin Cairn is accessible via a half-mile walk from a nearby car park. The site offers a tranquil atmosphere, often visited in solitude, allowing for quiet reflection amid the island’s rich prehistoric landscape. Nearby attractions include Machrie Moor with its stone circles and standing stones, enhancing the archaeological context of the area. The surrounding natural beauty, combined with the cairn’s ancient aura, provides a compelling experience for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.Preservation and Interpretation
Currently managed by Historic Environment Scotland, Torrylin Cairn is protected as a scheduled monument. Interpretive signage at the site provides visitors with historical context and details about the cairn’s construction and use. Despite the damage it has sustained, the cairn remains an important link to Scotland’s Neolithic past and contributes to understanding the development of prehistoric ritual landscapes in the region.Connections to Wider Neolithic Traditions
Torrylin Cairn is part of a broader network of Clyde cairns found across southwest Scotland, sharing architectural features and ceremonial functions. Its proximity to other significant sites on Arran, such as Carn Ban and Machrie Moor, situates it within a landscape rich in prehistoric monuments. These sites collectively illustrate the social and spiritual complexity of Neolithic communities, their burial customs, and their interaction with the natural environment over thousands of years.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
