Description

The monument comprises a hut circle and field system of prehistoric date, visible as turf-covered wall footings and a series of low banks and cairns.

The monument lies in rough grassland at around 265m OD. It comprises a hut circle measuring about 8m in internal diameter, defined by a low stony bank measuring about 0.2m high and between 2m and 3m wide. There is a possible entrance on the E. Hut circles are characteristic of Bronze and Iron Age settlement sites and represent the remains of timber-roofed roundhouses.

The hut circle lies within a contemporary field system, visible a number of clearance cairns measuring up to about 5m in diameter, and 3 field banks measuring up to about 0.2m high. Also within the scheduled area is a rectilinear enclosure measuring about 14m by 15m, defined on three sides by a bank measuring about 2.5m wide and 0.3m high. This enclosure may relate to post-medieval activity in the area.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is irregular with maximum dimensions of 150m from its easternmost point to its westernmost point and 190m from its northernmost point to its southernmost point, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of upland prehistoric settlement and economy. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 56 NW 7.

Bibliography:

Dalland, M. and Lowe, C. (1999) Forestry Survey: Balfour Farm, Menmuir (Menmuir parish), pre-afforestation survey', Discovery Excav Scot, 14.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland