Description

The monument is a scooped homestead of the Iron Age, some 2000 to 2500 years old, situated on a narrow ledge above Auchope farmhouse. It measures 23m E-W by 12.5m transversely within a bank up to 1m high and spread to a maximum thickness of 3.6m. The entrance lies at the W end. There is a shallow drainage ditch parallel to the bank on the uphill (N) side. In the SE angle of the enclosure there is a slight depression 7.5m across, which is probably the site of a house. An area measuring 55m in diameter is proposed for scheduling, as marked in red on the attached map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well preserved scooped homestead, which has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of prehistoric settlement. It is of particular importance because it lies in a complex landscape, in which remains of prehistoric and medieval settlement survive in good condition; this monument is an important part of that preserved landscape fragment. Taken with the other monuments in the area it has the potential to increase our knowledge of the development and use of the prehistoric and historic landscape.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 82 SE 16.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland