Description

The monument is a fort of the Iron Age (some 2000 to 3000 years old), with a standing stone (erected in the nineteenth century) inside it, occupying the summit of Dabshead Hill. The fort is oval in plan and is defended by two concentric ramparts and ditches. The fort's earthwork defences were never completed. The ramparts and ditches are best preserved at the NW end where the ramparts survive to c. 1m high and the ditches survive to c. 2m deep.

The fort measures c. 250m (NW-SE) by c. 180m transversely overall. The standing stone is a genuine cup-marked stone relocated from a different site. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the fort and an area around it in which traces of activity associated with its use will survive. The area respects the shape of the monument and measures a maximum of 270m (NW-SE) by 250m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of an unfinished fort of the Iron Age which has the potential to enhance our understanding of monuments of this type. its importance is increased by the proximity of several other forts 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. The cup-marked stone is of importance as an example of a monument type rarely preserved in this area, which has the potential, despite having been moved, to enhance our understanding of prehistoric rock art.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 55 SW 14.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland