Description

The monument comprises the remains of a multivallate fort of later prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument occupies a naturally defensive site on an E-W running ridge at around 110m OD. The ground falls away sharply on all but the W side and is particularly steep to the N. The site commands extensive views along the coast to the NW and SE. The fort is oval in plan and is defined by three ditches, each some 3-4m wide. The outermost ditch encloses an area some 160m E-W by 100m while the area within the innermost ditch measures approximately 70m E-W by 35m.

The fort appears to represent the remains of a high-status defensive settlement of the pre-Roman Iron Age. It lies in an area rich in remains of a range of enclosed sites of a similar 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 180m 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 high status settlement organisation in the later prehistoric period. Its association with the other cropmark enclosed settlements in the vicinity enhances its importance and provides the opportunity for the study of the organisation of the contemporary landscape and economy.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 77 NW 9.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland