Survey of three megalithic sites in Argyllshire

Abstract

THREE sites showing simple alignments of standing stones in Argyllshire were tested for possible astronomical significance by members of the Cambridge University Astronomical Society during August and September 1973. The sites were surveyed in detail with a portable (20″ circles) vernier theodolite, on which comprehensive tests were made before and after the expedition to determine adjustment errors; brief checks were made on site. Absolute azimuths were determined accurately by making timed observations of the Sun using MSF Rugby as the standard time signal. The error in azimuth was normally ± 10″ and in altitude ± 20″, although the latter value had to be modified to take account of uncertainties in atmospheric refraction. There is extensive information available on the Ballochroy site1–3, and brief details of the sites at Loch Seil4–6 and Loch Nell4,6 have been published.