Description

The monument comprises the remains of a pit circle and associated features of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies in arable land at around 45m OD on the N bank of the Vinny Water. The pit circle is defined by a series of large pits and has an overall diameter of approximately 10-12m. Two substantial pits are located approximately centrally in the interior and further pits are distributed in and around the circle. On the NW of the

circle there are indications that some individual pits have been replaced on a slightly different arc.

To the W, along the bank of the burn, are a series of less well-defined cropmarks that may represent associated activity including two possible souterrains to the far W of the field. A pit alignment runs broadly N-S across the field to the W of the pit circle: a parallel linear cropmark fades out close to the N of the pit circle. It is possible that these features represent contemporary activity.

The monument is likely to represent the remains of an area of prehistoric ritual activity focussed on a former timber circle. However, the possibility that some or all of the features are instead related to prehistoric settlement cannot be discounted.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the pit circle, the best of the other visible features and an area round them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 155m E-W by 110m 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 ritual practice. Its importance is enhanced because of its association with the wider landscape of prehistoric ritual and settlement remains in the Lunan Valley.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 54 NE 18 and 19.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland