Description

The monument comprises the remains of a heavily defended fort, dating from the first millennium BC, visible as a series of upstanding earthworks.

The monument lies at a height of 285-300m OD and occupies a conspicuous rocky boss on the summit of Stony Law, overlooking the Oxnam Water to the E. The SE side of the fort has been lost to stone quarrying, but the surviving remains indicate that it would originally have been circular or oval in plan.

The fort is defined by three ramparts, now much reduced, set on artificial terraces cut into the hill. These ramparts enclose an area approximately 100m NE-SW by 75m transversely. Within the interior, the sites of several buildings are indicated by the remains of at least two ring ditches and about eight house platforms terraced into the slope.

The area to be scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is irregular on plan and has maximum dimensions of 120m from NE to SW by 95m transversely, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric settlement, architecture, economy, land use and social organisation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 71 SW 15.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland