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 locally high and well-drained ground at around 200m OD, adjacent to and N of the modern farm of Highfield. It comprises an outer, sub-rectangular, enclosure with an inner, sub- circular, enclosure and associated cropmarks. The outer enclosure is defined by a single ditch up to 5m wide and has maximum overall dimensions of approximately 80m E-W by 70m.

There are two possible entrances at the N and S ends of the E side. Within this outer enclosure is a small, sub-circular enclosure measuring some 20m in diameter and defined by a single ditch some 2-3m wide. Most of the interior of this enclosure is occupied by a dense, dark cropmark which may represent surviving occupation material.

Outside the outer enclosure, to the W, is a further, similar cropmark which may represent an external building related to the enclosure. A further linear cropmark appears to run approximately N-S, joining the S part of the inner enclosure to the S side of the outer 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 N-S by 130m 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 complexity and subdivision of the enclosures suggests that evidence survives relating to the organisation of economic activities on the site.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 58 SW 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland