Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument lies on the crest of a hill above Black Loch, at around 210m OD. The site commands extensive views over the surrounding area and is intervisible with several other enclosed settlements. The enclosure is defined by a single annular ditch approximately 4-5m wide and some 50-60m in diameter. It has opposed entrances on the E and W sides.

The S part of the enclosure is less clearly visible on

the available aerial photographs and it is possible that a further entrance is present in this area. The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is circular with a diameter of 120m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of domestic organisation and economic practice in the period of Roman influence in southern Scotland. The unusual topography of the enclosure suggests that it may represent a site of specialised economic function not paralleled in the range of known enclosed settlements in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 67 SE 23.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland