Description

The monument is a settlement of the Iron Age situated on a spur overlooking the Howe Cleugh. The settlement is oval in plan and is on a gentle slope which has been cut off to the SE (uphill) by a bank and external ditch. The bank survives to c. 0.5m high on this side and continues as a lower bank or terrace around the rest of its course (around the lip of steep slopes to the Howe Cleugh to the SW and a smaller burn to the N).

A gap in the SW side appears to be the original entrance. Heather obscured any detail in the interior. The settlement measures c 60m (NW-SE) x c 50m transversely overall. The area to be proposed for scheduling include the settlement and an area around it in which traces of activity associated with its use may survive. The area respects the shape of the monument and measures 85m (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 settlement which has the potential to enhance our understanding of monuments of this type. Its importance is increased by the proximity of several other sites of similar date 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

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 55 NW 17.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland