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Latitude: 54.8764 / 54°52'35"N
Longitude: -4.8847 / 4°53'4"W
OS Eastings: 215021
OS Northings: 557328
OS Grid: NX150573
Mapcode National: GBR GH9T.K9J
Mapcode Global: WH2SG.YP3J
Entry Name: Dunragit,enclosures and pit alignments S of
Scheduled Date: 25 October 1993
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Source ID: SM5852
Schedule Class: Cultural
Category: Prehistoric ritual and funerary: enclosure (ritual or funerary)
Location: Old Luce
County: Dumfries and Galloway
Electoral Ward: Mid Galloway and Wigtown West
Traditional County: Wigtownshire
The monument comprises the remains of a complex of pit-defined enclosures, small ditched enclosures and pit alignments of prehistoric date, represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs. The complex appears to be a major Neolithic and/or Bronze Age focus of ritual activity
The main element of the monument is a large pit-defined enclosure comprising three concentric circles of pits. The two inner circles have diameters of approximately 110 and 140m. The outermost circle appears to have had a diameter of approximately 300m, although it is not visible on the N part of its probable circuit and lies under modern buildings to the W.
The concentric circles are linked by an avenue of pits leading S from the innermost circle. Within the complex are numerous other large pits and at least four annular ditched enclosures, each 10-15m in diameter, which appear to represent the remains of burial mounds or possibly henge-like structures.
Other concentrations of features are visible outside the area of the concentric pit circles. These include a smaller pit circle to the S of the main complex, a series of ring ditches, a small pit circle, and a pit alignment to the E.
The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features together with an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. The area comprises two parts separated by the E-W running railway. The N part is rectilinear with maximum dimensions of 450m WNW-ESE by 90m while the S area is irregular with maximum dimensions of 470m WNW-ESE by 260m as marked in red on the accompanying map.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of prehistoric ritual activity. It appears to represent part of a major regional centre for Neolithic/Bronze Age ritual and will provide highly significant evidence for the nature and practice of prehistoric religion and belief in Scotland.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Bibliography
RCAHMS records the site as NX15NE 69.0.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
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