Description

The monument comprises a dun, or homestead, of later prehistoric date visible as a largely grassed-over ring of collapsed masonry, and associated remains to the S.

The monument lies on a prominent, flat-topped knoll in an area of rough pasture at around 300m OD. The dun consists of a turf-covered wall enclosing a sub-circular level platform measuring about 21m N-S by some 18m E-W. To the N end of the interior, part of the inner wall-face is visible, consisting of an arc of edge-set slabs. This seems to represent a contraction of the original inner wall-face which is set rather further back. There is an entrance gap at the W side.

On the N fringe of the wall lies a prostrate boulder measuring approximately 0.9m by 0.7m by 0.3m, with at least 20 small cup-marks on its upper surface. Cup-marks are decorative circular depressions usually carved into standing stones, outcrops of bedrock and boulders. They date to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. The example here was probably re-used in the wall of the later building.

A series of platforms and wall fragments to the S of the main structure appear to represent the remains of associated structures and activity areas focussed on the knoll.

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 sub-rectangular with maximum dimensions of 70m N-S by 40m, 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 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 NN 86 SW 17.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland