Description

The monument is an unusual settlement, probably of the Iron Age, situated on the edge of the terrace of the Sourhope Burn, at its confluence with the Broomy Sike. It measures about 50m across and is defined by a low bank on the W and N; on the E and S it is bounded by the valleys of the watercourses. A recent stone-built sheep stell lies over the central and SW part of the enclosure. The bank is paralleled by a causewayed ditch on the SW.

A further ditch lies outside the bank on the NW. Near the centre of the enclosure there is a raised platform, which is scooped in its centre; this may be the remains of a circular house. The enclosure is deeply scooped in its SE part. An area measuring 75m in diameter is proposed for scheduling, to include the settlement and an area around in which traces of activity associated with its use will survive, as marked in red on the attached map. The structure above ground of the modern stell is specifically excluded from the scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well preserved settlement 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
No Bibliography entries for this designation

Source: Historic Environment Scotland