Description

The monument is a very well preserved complex of cultivation terraces and rigs, probably of the medieval period, some 500 to 700 years old. The hillside on which they are situated is crossed obliquely from SSE

to NNW by, and is considerably broken up by, two gullies.

Consequently the terraces are irregularly disposed and vary greatly in depth and steepness.

The terraces were originally scheduled in 1972; parts of the area then scheduled no longer contain important features. The complex was surveyed in detail for the first time by HBMD in 1987 and a revised scheduled area is here proposed. The area now to be rescheduled measures a maximum of 940m NNW to SSE by a maximum of 320m transversely, as marked in red on the attached map.

The area is bounded on all sides by modern walls and fences; the structure above ground of all fences and walls is excluded from the scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a very well preserved complex of cultivation terraces and other cultivation remains, which has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of medieval agriculture and the organisation of the landscape in that period. It is of particular importance because of its impressive field characteristics; it is one of the best preserved of its kind and is perhaps the most visually dramatic group of terraces in Southern Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS record the site as NT72SE 17.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland