Description

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

The site lies in a highly defensive site with Hanging Craig cliffs providing a natural barrier to the N and with the ground sloping away gently around the remainder of the circuit. The fort lies at around 110m OD and commands extensive views over the surrounding arable farmland, with North Berwick Law and Traprain Law as prominent landmarks.

The fort is defined by four concentric ditches which

enclose the S, E and W of a sub-oval area, the N being defined by the cliff edge. The overall dimensions of the fort are approximately 200m E-W by 80m, with the internal area enclosed by the inner ditch measuring some 140m E-W by 70m.

There are indications of structures in the interior of the fort, including possibly a rectangular enclosure, occupying much of the available space, which might relate to a separate phase of defense. The fort forms part of a wider landscape of prehistoric settlement and economic activity centred around the Garleton Hills.

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 310m ENE-WSW by 100m 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 defensive settlement. Its functional and chronological relationships with the numerous other prehistoric settlements in the vicinity will be of particular significance in the analysis of the development and use of the prehistoric landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 57 NW 89.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland