Description

The monument comprises the remains of a fort, a defended settlement dating from the later prehistoric period. The monument was originally scheduled in 1970, but the area covered by the designation did not relate accurately to the remains on the ground. The current rescheduling rectifies this.

The fort lies at around 330m OD on the summit of Castle Knowe, where it commands extensive views of the surrounding countryside, including the natural route along the Tweed Valley. Steep natural defences on the N side of the site are reinforced by two stone walls on the S side. The enclosed area has maximum dimensions of around 70m N-S by 125m E-W, with an inner enclosure of c.35m N-S by 55m E-W. There are no surface indications of the sites of buildings within the fort. The walls have been subject to extensive stone robbing, much of which was probably used to build the large modern sheepfold that occupies most of the inner enclosure. Three walled annexes have been built onto the outside of the outer wall, but without excavation evidence the date of these features is unclear: they may relate to a later phase of use of the fort or may be associated with comparatively recent livestock management.

The area to be scheduled is irregular in shape, measuring a maximum of 140m E-W by 110m N-S, as shown in red on the attached map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric settlement, economy and social organisation. The relationship between this site and others of similar date in the vicinity further enhances its importance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is RCAHMS number NT 33 NW 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland