Description

The monument comprises the remains of an unenclosed settlement of later prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies in arable farmland, above a break in slope, at around 20m OD. It comprises an enclosure and several souterrains. The enclosure is roughly oval, measuring some 90m NE-SW by about 40m NW-SE (although its NW arc is not visible), and is formed by a narrow ditch or palisade trench about 1-2m wide.

Immediately to the N of the enclosure is a souterrain complex, the largest element being approximately 35m long and up to about 4-5m wide, apparently adjoining a circular structure represented by a dense, dark cropmark. Immediately to the NE of the enclosure is a second souterrain complex, aligned NE-SW, the largest again being some 35m long and up to about 4m wide.

Around the souterrain are a number of pits and a dense, dark cropmark some 25m by about 8m. Souterrains were semi-underground cellars attached to above-ground settlements during the Iron Age. They are generally thought to have been used for storage. The dark cropmarks associated with the souterrains on this site probably represent the remains of the former above-ground buildings.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the cropmarks and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 150m 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 settlement and economy. The unusual complexity of the site and the association of different structural types make this a site of particular importance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 32 NW 17.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland