Description

The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a deserted settlement of post-medieval date. This well-preserved fermtoun lies in pasture some 400m E of Easter Bleaton, on a W-facing terrace at about 300m OD, at the foot of Knockali and immediately above the floor of Glenshee.

The settlement extends over a distance of some 800m from N-S and includes at least fifty-two buildings, their walls reduced to the lowest courses or to stone footings, together with a series of attendant enclosures and four kilns. From the disposition of the buildings it is possible to distinguish at least eight separate units or farmsteads, perhaps reflecting the properties of individual tenants. On the slope above the N end of the fermtoun there is a line of five retting pools.

The remains are consistent with the transition from pre-Improvement nucleated townships to the dispersed farmsteads of the post-Improvement era. At least some of the remains, probably those at the S end of the site, are to be identified with 'up(per) Bleaton', depicted on Stobie's map of 1783, though it is less clear whether the remains at the N end are to be identified with 'Torvack'.

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 in shape, measuring 785m along its W edge by 286m E-W at its widest point, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as an extensive and well-preserved fermtoun with the potential to contribute to an understanding of post-medieval settlement and economy in this part of Scotland. The site is important in that it represents a regional variation in response to a widespread process of agricultural improvements. The importance of the site is enhanced because it has seen little disturbance since its abandonment and retains high archaeological potential.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as N015NW 22.

References:

RCAHMS (1990) NORTH-EAST PERTH: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE, Edinburgh: HMSO, 113-114.

NSA (1845) THE NEW STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF SCOTLAND BY THE MINISTERS OF THE RESPECTIVE PARISHES UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF A COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE CLERGY, 15v, Edinburgh, Vol. 1, 786-789.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland