Description

The monument comprises the remains of an inland promontory fort represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The fort occupies a promontory formed by the Keith Water and one of its tributaries. It is formed by two broad, linear ditches which seal off the approach to the site. The ditches appear to be 4-5m in width and have a visible length of approximately 100m, extending under planted woodland at both ends. No breaks are visible in these ditches. A possible third, outer ditch is represented by a fainter cropmark beyond the better-defined defences. Within the fort is a distinct section of curving ditch, possibly the remains of a souterrain, running approximately NW-SE for a distance of approximately 25m. No other internal features are detectable.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the defences and interior of the fort, excluding areas of recent tree-planting, together with an area around the visible features in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. The area is irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 320m NE-SW by 170m, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of prehistoric defensive settlement. The ditches may be expected to contain evidence of the fort's date and method of construction as well as material relating to the economy and environment of the site. The likely presence of internal features, possibly including a souterrain, suggests that the site may provide evidence relating to prehistoric domestic occupation and the storage and processing of agricultural produce.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 46 SW 39.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland