North Mains

North Mains is a prehistoric henge near Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland. It sits on Strathallan Estate between Crieff and Auchterarder, not in the valley known as Strathallan. The site was excavated in 1979, and archaeologists published their findings in 1983. Henges like North Mains were used over many centuries, with evidence of earlier activity before the main structure was built. Two pits were dug before the henge ditch, and a cremation burial was placed at the site. The henge ditch and one timber circle appear to have been built at the same time. A second timber circle was later added, and a series of burials was dug into and around the henge enclosure. Centuries later, an early Christian cemetery was established within the enclosed area. The site shows layers of use from different periods, reflecting changes in how people treated the place over time. Visitors find a quiet grassy enclosure surrounded by a low earthen bank. The remains of the timber circles and burial pits lie beneath the surface, though little is visible today. The setting is peaceful, with open fields stretching around the site. Kathleen Jamie, the Scottish poet, worked on the excavation in 1979 and later wrote about her experiences in her book *Sightlines*. The land remains part of Strathallan Estate, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s ancient past.