Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement and associated features of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. The monument lies in arable farmland at around 150m OD on the gently sloping E flank of Whitelaw Hill. The surrounding area is rich in the remains of prehistoric settlement.

The ditch-defined enclosure is trapezoidal on plan with maximum dimensions of approximately 70m on its E side, 50m on its W side and approximately 70m on the N and S sides. The N side is markedly bowed while the other three sides are straight. The enclosing ditch varies in width to a maximum of approximately 6m and has a well-defined E- facing entrance flanked by clear ditch terminals in the central part of the E side.

Two rather diffuse cropmarks in the interior of the enclosure may indicate the remains of former internal buildings. Two linear cropmarks running approximately NNW-SSE lead out from the E and W ends of the N side of the enclosure. These may have formed part of an attached enclosure or field system.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the above features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape with maximum (diagonal) dimensions of 280m NNE by N to SSW by S and 250m WNW-ESE 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 settlement and economic activity. 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 57 SE 52.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland