Description

The monument comprises the remains of a multivallate fort of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies in arable farmland at around 200m OD in a locally commanding position above the NW bank of the Donolly Burn. The surrounding area is rich in settlement remains dating to the prehistoric period. The fort is D-shaped with the SE defence being provided by the steep slope down to the burn. It has overall dimensions of approximately 180m NE-SW by 90m, although the area enclosed by the innermost defences measures only some 100m by 50m.

The defences comprise four concentric ditches which are best defined towards the N of the site. There is no clear trace of an entrance. There are numerous diffuse cropmarks within the interior of the fort but these lack sufficient clarity to allow the identification of internal features.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 260m NNE-SSW by 180m 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 add to our understanding of the nature and organisation of prehistoric defensive settlement. The significance of the monument is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider landscape of prehistoric settlement in this part of East Lothian.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 56 NE 7.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland