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 the E slope of a small knoll at around 95m OD, above the steep N bank of the Dry Burn. The enclosure appears originally to have been oval but has been reduced by erosion of the bank to approximately two thirds of its original dimensions. It is defined by a ditch some 5-6m wide with very well-defined expanded entrance terminals on its W side.

This W entrance faces upslope and does not command other than highly restricted views of the immediate area. The remains of the interior measure approximately 50m E-W by 30m and contain several dense, dark cropmarks indicating the probable survival of occupation deposits.

The enclosure is one of a group of such monuments along the banks of Dry Burn. These appear to represent elements of contemporary settlement pattern dating from 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 irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 120m E-W by 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 economy. The significance of the monument is enhanced by its association with a group of probably contemporary settlements of various forms on the banks of Dry Burn.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 77 SW 28.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland