Description

The monument comprises a later prehistoric vitrified fort which is situated on a narrow headland 1.3km N of Ardtalla.

Three walls are drawn across the neck of the headland to enclose an area measuring 35m by 17m. The ground rises steeply on the landward side. The innermost wall was probably at least 3m thick; the solid core is still 1.6m high and incorporates a few patches of vitrifaction. The entrance was probably central.

The middle wall appears to be unfinished and consists of an isolated stretch of core material. The outer wall was a substantial structure measuring as much as 2.5m in thickness and 1.2m in height, with an entrance towards its NW end. On the NE there is an annex on a terrace below the main summit.

The area to be scheduled measures 85m NE-SW by up to 65m

transversely, to include the fort and area around in which evidence associated with its construction and use may survive, as marked in red on the attached map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it represents the well-preserved remains of a vitrified fort, which is therefore likely to have had a timber-laced construction, probably dating to the second half of the first millennium BC. Unusually, this fort is one member of a group of two vitrified forts and a dun which are situated within 3km of each other on this stretch of coast. The monument therefore has the potential to provide information about prehistoric architecture, economy, social organisation and structure.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NR 45 NE 1.

References:

RCAHMS 1984, Inventory for Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Jura, No. 156.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland