Description

The monument comprises the remains of a palisaded enclosure and ring ditch of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument occupies a level area at around 120m OD, above the steep descent to Dunglass Burn. It commands extensive views over the surrounding landscape. The enclosure is defined by a palisade which encloses a circular area some 50-60m in diameter. There is no unambiguous evidence for an entrance. Numerous dark cropmarks may represent the remains of internal and associated occupation deposits. Some 50m S of the palisaded enclosure is a ring ditch or small

circular enclosure, some 15-20m in diameter. The monument forms part of a wider landscape of enclosed settlement represented by cropmarks.

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 150m N-S by 90m as marked in red on the accompanying map. Existing fences and drainage are excluded from the provisions of the scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of prehistoric domestic organisation and economy. The functional and chronological relationships between the palisaded enclosure and ring ditch will be of particular importance for the analysis of the nature and development of the settlement.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 77 SE 38 and 55.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland