Description

The monument comprises the remains of an unenclosed settlement of prehistoric date, visible as a cropmark on oblique aerial photographs. It lies in arable farmland, at 10 m above sea level, where it is located approximately 100 m from the present-day shoreline of the Moray Firth

The cropmark comprises a ring ditch, which measures about 11 m in diameter, and a pit circle measuring about 8 m in diameter.

The area to be scheduled is a clipped rectangle orientated NNE-SSW, to include the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

The monument's archaeological significance can be expressed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics: The monument is unexcavated and has considerable potential to enhance understanding of unenclosed settlements of the prehistoric period in N Scotland. In particular, the monument may contribute to our understanding of the construction of prehistoric dwellings. The presence of both a ring ditch and pit circle in close proximity may provide information on the planning and development of prehistoric settlements. Further, the monument has considerable potential to enhance our understanding of prehistoric coastal exploitation.

Contextual characteristics: The monument is a good example of a coastal unenclosed settlement, similar in character to others found along the coast of the Moray Firth. As a group, these sites could potentially enhance our understanding of the utilisation of the prehistoric landscape.

National Importance

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular prehistoric settlement and economy. Its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date increases its importance. The loss of, or damage to, the monument would diminish the capacity of the class to contribute to our understanding of prehistoric settlement and landuse in N Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the monument as NH74NW25 and Highland SMR record the site as NH74NW0030.

Aerial photographs / AP transcriptions:

RCAHMS, 1991, IN/3069TR, Blackhill.

RCAHMS, 1977, IN/3070, Blackhill.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland