Description

The monument is a settlement of the Iron Age (some 2000 to 3000 years old) which occupies the summit of Oatlee Hill. Sub-rectangular in plan, it is enclosed by a wall which survives to c. 0.7m high with an entrance in the NW side. The wall is accompanied by an external ditch. In the interior there are a number of scoops which may indicate house sites.

Outside the enclosure, to the NE, is a circular house site showing as a low circular bank, possibly overlying the settlement ditch. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the settlement, the external house and an area around them in which traces of activity associated with their use will survive. It is a square measuring 50m (NW-SE) by 50m transversely, with an extension for the house to the NE measuring 10m square.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of an Iron Age settlement and has the potential to enhance our understanding of settlement in this period. It is one of several sites of the Iron Age in the immediate area which, taken together, have the potential to greatly increase the understanding of the settlement, economy and the development of the landscape in the Iron Age in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NT 86 NE 13.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland