A digital reconstruction of the chambered cairn monument at Easter Delfour near Alvie, part of a well-defined group of stone-built monuments found around the Moray Firth and Central Highlands, the so-called 'Clava cairns'. Often thought of as burial cairns reserved for elite tribe members, their purpose remains somewhat mysterious. The cairns combine several similar elements: a circular cairn with a platform on the outside, bounded by a ring of monoliths or standing stones which date from the Bronze Age (2500BC to 800BC). This reconstruction image combines survey data with some influence drawn from the Balnuaran of Clava near Culloden, which is one of the best-preserved Bronze Age cairns in Scotland. The structure was entirely open in the centre, and the surface evidence suggests there was no passage like the better-known Balnuaran cairns. Delfour had an unbroken rubble wall supported by kerbs of upright stones inside and out. There's no evidence these were used for burials or cremations (except perhaps later use). They may have had some ceremonial purpose. This reconstruction was created by artist Bob Marshall with input and advice from Richard Bradley, author of 'The Significance of Monuments'.

Commissioned Work (November, 2020). Client: badenochstorylands.com / Cairngorms National Park Authority

Software / Tools

Blender 3D, Cycles Render Engine, Adobe After Effects