Description

The monument is a settlement of the Later Bronze Age or Iron Age (some 4000 to 5000 years old). It comprises the remains of four circular house stances in two conjoined pairs, all joined by an earthen bank. The stances measure between 10m in diameter and 10m x 16m. From the gap between the pairs of house stances a hollow way runs off to the NW. Paralleling this to the SW is a further bank running for c. 40m from the back of the southernmost house stance: these two features seem to be part of a contemporary field system.

To the E of the house stances is a broad natural hollow; it seems likely that the house stances were sited to take advantage of this hollow, as a sheltered activity area which contained a water supply. Remnants of activity associated with the settlement may survive here. An area measuring 100m (NW-SE) x 90m transversely is proposed for scheduling, to include the house stances, the earthen banks, the hollow way and part of the natural hollow.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument has very well preserved field characteristics. It is an unusual variation on the Dalrulzion settlement theme, near the western end of the distribution. It is of national importance because archaeological investigation of the site would provide information of considerable value about the way of life of the inhabitants. It is of particular importance because of the survival in the area of further traces of prehistoric settlement, in the form of house stances of two different forms.

Comparison of the different structures and their functions would be very informative. This monument is of greater than normal interest because of the likely use of the hollow adjacent to the house stances; it is rare for an unenclosed settlement to have a clearly defined activity area. The monument is of national importance to the themes of prehistoric settlement, economy and agricultural practices.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is RCAHMS number NN 96 NW 6.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland