Description

The monument comprises an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date, at a height of around 75m OD, visible as cropmarks on oblique aerial photographs.

The monument occupies an area of slightly raised ground within an arable field, where ploughing has encountered the rock-head. The sub-rectangular ditched enclosure measures 26m N-S by 15m E-W, within a ditch approximately 1.5m wide. On the W side there are converging in-turned terminals, indicating an elaborate entrance.

The gap between the opposing ditch terminals at this point is about 3.5m. The nature of the ditch at the E end is not clear on the aerial photograph.

In the eastern half of the enclosure, a circular mark indicates the remains of a timber round-house measuring 9m in diameter. There are other marks within the enclosure but these are less distinct and cannot be interpreted. In shape the monument is similar to excavated examples elsewhere which have proved to be Iron Age in date.

However, it is smaller than most comparable examples and may thus represent the remains of a settlement fulfilling a different function or having a different social or economic status.

The area to be scheduled is irregular in plan, with maximum dimensions of 35m N-S by 47m transversely, to include the remains described and an area around in which evidence relating to their construction and use may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as an unusually small, enclosed settlement of prehistoric date with the potential to enhance our understanding of prehistoric settlement, land-use and economy in the Scottish lowlands.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 18 NW 26.

Aerial Photographs used:

RCAHMS (1992) B79094.

RCAHMS (1992) B79095.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland