Description

The monument comprises the remains of an unenclosed settlement of prehistoric date, visible as a cropmark on oblique aerial photographs. It lies in farmland, in the SE corner of an arable field, at 12 m above sea level where it is located approximately 800 m from the present-day shoreline of the Moray Firth

The cropmark comprises evidence for an unenclosed settlement consisting of a number of pit circles and ring ditches, varying in diameter from 6-10 m, and spread over an area about 100 m long.

The area to be scheduled is sub-rectangular on plan, 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 ring ditches and pit circles in close proximity, and the spread of features in their vicinity, may provide information on the planning and development of prehistoric settlements.

Contextual characteristics: The monument is a good example of an 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 land use in N Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the monument as NH74NW85 and Highland SMR records the site as NH74NW0110.

Aerial photographs:

RCAHMS, 1992, C59, Allanfearn

RCAHMS, 1992, C60, Allanfearn

Source: Historic Environment Scotland