Longcroft and Glenburnie on the eastern side of Lauderdale are particularly rich in ancient historic sites. So much that some of them, such as this burial mound haven’t even been scheduled as Ancient Monuments.
The iron age Longcroft Cist held its high status occupant safe for thousands of years until it was ransacked as an easy quarry in the late 19th century.
In 1902, children playing on the heap found a decorated burial jar full of charred bones.
Further investigation uncovered a chamber built of imported stone, containing another decorative jar. This one had been filled with food for the afterlife.
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland recognised the burial mound’s worth in 1902. With modern testing techniques we’d have known so much more about the burial. Half a century later, the then farmer, a Mr Runciman, donated the jars to what is now the National Museum of Scotland.
The mound still stands some 10 metres high and 30 metres across, below Longcoft Fort, guarding the entrance to the enchanting Glenburnie valley.
Living in an area abundant with nature and history, it is easy to take it all for granted. The Borders is exceptionally blessed with archaeology – how should we value that?