Description

The monument is a fort and overlying settlement of the Iron Age (some 2000 to 3000 years old) situated on a spur overlooking the Kelphope Burn. The spur has been enclosed by defences which are now reduced to low banks.

To the NW, SW and SE the site is naturally defended by steep slopes so that the defence appears to have been a single rampart only, whereas to the NE, the easy approach has been cut off by two ramparts. Here the defences are best preserved, surviving to c. 2.5m high. The highest part of the hill has been enclosed by a later wall which encloses the remains of at least eight circular house platforms, some or all of which belong to a later, non-defensive occupation of the site.

The monument measures overall c. 155m (NE-SW) by c. 60m transversely. The area to be proposed for scheduling includes the fort, the settlement, and an area around them in which traces of activity associated with their use will survive. The area respects the shape of the monument and measures 200m (NE-SW) by 95m transversely.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of a fort and later settlement of the Iron Age which has the potential to enhance our understanding of the types of monuments described. Its importance is increased by the proximity of several other sites of similar date 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.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NT 55 NW 10.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland