Description

The monument comprises the remains of a multivallate fort of prehistoric date represented by a series of earthworks and rock-cut ditches.

The monument lies on a steep and rocky ridge at around 65m OD overlooking the flood-plain of the River Tay. The fort is an elongated and somewhat irregular oval measuring, internally, approximately 85m WNW-ESE by 20m. A single rampart some 5m wide and up to 1m high surrounds the fort except where it has slipped over the steep crags. A rock-cut ditch some 4m wide and 0.8m deep with a central causeway defends the ESE approach but this may be a later addition.

The easiest approach, at the WNW end of the ridge, is protected by a multivallate outwork comprising three rock-cut ditches around 3m wide with accompanying ramparts some 5m wide. There are indications of a possible entrance at the S end of this outwork system. The interior of the fort contains numerous irregularities which may represent the remains of former internal buildings.

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 240m W-E by 90m 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 prehistoric defensive settlement. The ramparts and ditches may be expected to contain important information relating to the development and construction of the fort while deposits within the interior may be expected to contain evidence relating to contemporary house construction and the organisation of domestic space.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 04 SE 11.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland