Description

The monument comprises the remains of an extensive prehistoric settlement on a SE-facing slope above Strath Sgitheach. The settlement contains at least eight hut circles, the circular foundations of prehistoric timber houses, set in areas of small cairns of field-cleared stones on a heather-clad hillside, just above forestry planting.

There are also at least three cup-marked boulders within the area, of unknown purpose but presumed prehistoric date, and more may well exist. The hut circles have dimensions ranging from 13m by 11m to 9m by 7m, and where entrances can be seen these are all in the SE or S arcs. The most easily visible hut circles are a loose group of three on the SW bank of the Allt nan Raichean.

The area to be scheduled is a very irregular figure-of eight shape on plan, measuring a maximum of 640m NE-SW by a maximum of 260m transversely. This area includes the hut circles, the field clearance cairns and the cup-marked boulders, as well as an area of land around and among these features in which evidence relating to their construction and use is likely to survive. The area is indicated in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well-preserved late prehistoric settlement which has the potential to provide information about prehistoric domestic and agricultural activities and land-use changes. The close association of a settlement with a number of cup-marked boulders is unusual, although the significance of this is not known.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NH 56 SW 11.

Reference:

RCAHMS (1979) The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The archaeological sites and monuments of Easter Ross, Ross and Cromarty District, Highland Region, The archaeological sites and monuments of Scotland series no. 6, Edinburgh, 18, 21, Nos. 132, 172.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland