Description

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

The monument lies on sloping ground on the lower E flank of Doon Hill at around 65m OD, adjacent to the modern farm of Little Pinkerton. The enclosure is defined by an annular ditch some 2-3m wide which encloses an area approximately 30m in diameter. Slightly off-centre to the E side of the interior is a dense, dark cropmark that appears to represent the remains of internal occupation deposits, perhaps associated with a circular timber building.

The background geological cropmarks prevent the firm identification of other archaeological features which may exist in and around the enclosure. The enclosure forms part of a wider landscape of prehistoric settlement in the area which includes a number of high-status enclosed sites of Iron Age and Dark Age date. The enclosure is likely

to represent a farming settlement of somewhat lower status, of the later prehistoric period.

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 80m 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 domestic organisation and house construction. The importance of the monument is greatly enhanced by its spatial association with the wider archaeological landscape of enclosed settlements centred on Doon Hill.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 67 NE 69.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland