Description

The monument comprises the remains of a complex enclosed settlement of probable prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies on a locally prominent ridge in arable farmland at around 140m OD. It comprises a sub-oval enclosure measuring approximately 110m NW-SE by 125m NE-SW. Around the inner edge of the enclosure ditch are three, evenly-spaced, sub-square enclosures with sides some 20m long, defined by ditches some 2-4m wide. Darker patches inside the enclosure may indicate remains of structures or areas of activity. There are further cropmarks outside the enclosure to the E suggesting the presence of adjacent settlement activity.

The monument is of apparently unique morphology although the internal enclosures are similar in size and form to enclosed settlements of the later prehistoric period. Although a medieval date cannot be ruled out it appears likely that this monument is prehistoric in date.

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 rectangular with maximum dimensions of 150m NW-SE and 170m NE-SW 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 contribute to our understanding of prehistoric settlement and economy. The ditches of the settlement may be expected to contain material relating to the economy and environment of the site, while the apparently unique layout of the settlement suggests that it might have played a specialised role in the prehistoric settlement landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 26 SE 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland