Description

The monument comprises a group of ring ditches and square enclosures of the later prehistoric or early historic period, probably the remains of burial mounds or barrows, and of settlement, possibly of more than one period, situated on the Hills of Boyndie.

The remains appear on aerial photographs of arable fields as marks in cereal crops; experience shows that further remains will survive around and between the visible marks in areas not susceptible to cropmarks. A large group of cropmarks on the central summit of the hills represents the remains of at least two, and possibly four, square enclosures with interior marks, situated beside at least four ring ditches.

These are probably all remains of barrows. There are also straight and curved marks among and around them which may represent parts of further barrows or enclosures. A number of other cropmark enclosures, possibly settlement remains, are visible over an extensive area around the barrows. These include a possible promontory fort in the N corner of the field, defined by multiple ditches on its S side.

The area to be scheduled is irregular, measuring up to 500m WNW-ESE by 350m and includes all the cropmark features described above, and an area around and between them in which further remains associated with their construction and use may survive. The area is marked in red on the attached map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a group of funerary and burial structures, of prehistoric or early historic period, between 1000 and 2500 years ago, together with associated settlement remains. They occupy a prominent position on a hilltop, and even though the area is under the plough experience shows that important archaeological deposits and structures will survive below plough level. A mixture of round and square barrows is unusual and of particular interest as the remains may date from more than one period, and indicate a continuity of activity over a long period. Their archaeological value is greatly enhanced by the presence of the settlement remains around them. The monument has the potential to increase our knowledge of the method and date of construction of burial mounds, particularly of square barrows, and of the related settlement. The monument is of particular importance because of the range and number of prehistoric remains which survive together at this location.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NJ66SE 89.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland