Description

The monument comprises the remains of two adjacent palisaded enclosures of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The enclosures occupy a level plateau above the sharply sloping N bank of the Keith Water. The larger of the two is formed by an annular palisade approximately 25m in diameter with no visible entrance. Approximately 5m to the E lies a second enclosure, formed by an annular palisade of approximately 8-10m diameter, again with no clear indications of an entrance. Neither enclosure has visible internal features. The enclosures appear to represent elements of a later prehistoric settlement consisting of timber buildings.

The area to be scheduled comprises the visible cropmarks together with an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. The area is irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 130m N-S by 140m E-W, 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 domestic settlement. The palisade trenches may be expected to contain material relating to prehistoric house and enclosure construction, as well as evidence relating to prehistoric occupation, economy and environment. The relationship between the two enclosures, both functional and structural, will be significant for studies of prehistoric settlement development.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 46 NW 41 and 71.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland