Description

The monument is a promontory fort of the Iron Age (some 2000 to 3000 years old) occupying a narrow spur on the W side of Hog's Hill known as Wallace's Knowe. The gentle descent to the spur from the SE has been cut off by two ramparts and an external ditch, the outer rampart being considerably larger than the inner. At the NE end of these is a small rectangular enclosure lying between the ramparts and its location, overlooking the original approach to the fort (along the NE edge of the spur) suggests that it may be an originally defensive feature such as a guard house. The inner line of defence has continued around the rest of the site as a thick drystone wall, now a spread of rubble on the steep slopes to the SW, NW, and NE. The interior is naturally terraced and at least two circular house sites are visible, one on the summit of the knoll that forms part of the spur. The fort measures c. 95m (NW-SE) x c. 45m transversely overall. 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 120m (NW-SE) x 80m 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 promontory fort which has the potential to enhance our understanding of monuments of this type. Its importance is increased by the proximity of a number of sites of similar date but of very varied type, which taken together, have the potential to increase greatly our understanding of the settlement, economy and development of the landscape in the Iron Age in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NT 55 NW 13.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland