Description

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

The monument lies near the crest of a low hill in arable farmland at around 180m OD. Close to the SW of the enclosure is a steep drop to the Papana Water. The enclosure is very irregular on plan and measures approximately 100m NW-SE by 100m. It is defined by a ditch

some 3-4m wide which appears to have been excavated in short sections following an erratic course, particularly around the E part of the enclosure.

There is no clear sign of an entrance. A linear cropmark

runs NW-SE for a distance of some 35m across the W part of the interior of the enclosure and several other, more diffuse cropmarks may represent the remains of former internal buildings.

The monument forms part of a wider landscape of settlement remains dating to the later prehistoric period in this area. The irregular form of the enclosure is, however, highly unusual, although a similar monument is situated some 2.5km to the NE.

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 circular with a diameter of 160m 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 economy. Its significance is greatly enhanced by its association with the wider landscape of later prehistoric settlement in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 SE 83.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland