Description

The monument is a fort of the Iron Age which occupies the rocky summit of Brotherstone Hill West. The fort is roughly oval in plan and measures 100m (WSW-ENE) x 65m internally. The W and N approaches to the site have been defended by two stone and earth ramparts; at the E end there is a third rampart. To the S the site is defended by a sheer cliff and there is no sign of an artificial line of defence here. The defences are best preserved at the W end, surviving to about 1m high on both sides of the original entrance. A short length of the defences on the N side has been damaged by pre-improvement rig-and-furrow cultivation. Within the fort there are traces of at least three circular house stances.

The monument measures about 150m x 80m overall. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the fort, part of the later rig-and-furrow cultivation, and an area around them in which traces of activity associated with their use will survive. The area respects the shape of the fort and measures 190m (WSW-ENE) x 130m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of an Iron Age fort which has the potential to enhance our understanding of this type of monument. Its importance is increased by the proximity of many sites of similar date which, taken together, have the potential to greatly increase our understanding of the settlement, economy and development of the landscape in the Iron Age in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the site as NT 63 NW 13.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland