Description

The monument is a fort of the Iron Age (2000 to 3000 years old) situated on the SW end of a spur overlooking the Raughy Burn. The fort is oval in plan, situated on sloping ground, and defended by two ramparts and ditches. The defences are best preserved at the NE end where, to cut off the level approach from the spur a massive inner rampart, ditch and counterscarp rampart have been constructed. The defences at the SW end are also well-preserved while those on the NW side survive as terraces. On the SE side the defences have been levelled by ploughing. Within the fort are many circular house platforms and a large scoooped area in the NE quadrant appears to be a later scooped homestead. A scooped area between this and the NE defences may be the remains of a second scooped homestead. Part of the interior of the fort has been damaged by recent small quarries.

The fort measures approximately 170m NE-SW by 100m transversely overall. The area to be scheduled includes the fort and an area around it in which traces of activity associated with its use are likely to survive. The area respects the shape of the site and measures 205m NE-SW by 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 and multi-period settlement which has the potential to enhance our understanding of monuments of this type. 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 records the site as NT45SE 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland