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 at around 125m OD above the S bank of Bilsdean Burn. The enclosure would not have been visible from beyond the immediate catchment area. It is formed by a single ditch some 6m wide which encloses a sub-circular area some 70m in diameter. The N part of the enclosure, comprising approximately one fifth of its original area, lies under trees and outwith the field in which the cropmarks are visible.

The enclosure has a SE entrance from which a further ditch runs NW-SE for a distance of some 10-15m before turning sharply to the W, thence following a curving course to the SW edge of the field. This ditch appears to represent part of a stock control or field boundary system contemporary at least in part with the occupation of the enclosure.

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 140m E-W by 150m as marked in red on the accompanying map. Maintenance of existing drainage is exempt from the provisions of the scheduling.

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 relationship of the enclosure to the associated ditch is likely to be of significance in assessing prehistoric farming practices, while material from the ditches themselves might contribute to our knowledge of the contemporary environment and site economy.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 77 SW 9.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland