Description

The monument comprises a circular Norse or Norman fort. The monument was first scheduled in 1934, but an inadequate area was included to protect all of the archaeological remains: the present rescheduling rectifies this.

The fort is 70m in diameter and consists of an inner grass-covered area 30m in diameter, around the perimeter of which runs a small raised bank 0.5m in height and width. Beyond this inner area lies a 9m wide ditch. The ditch is encircled by a 1m high and 4m wide turf-covered bank. The entrance through the defences lies in the NW sector and this 'roadway' extends some 4-5m out beyond the earthwork .

The area to be scheduled is a circle 95m in diameter centred on the fort, to include the fort, its outer defences and an area around in which evidence relating to their construction and use may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map. The scheduling specifically excludes the drainage ditch which runs across the south-west side of the area, so that this may continue to be maintained in a free-running condition by occasional cleaning down to its original depth.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a well-preserved fort, of either Norse or Norman origin. Whoever it is, it has considerable potential to enhance our understanding of early medieval defensive settlement and economy.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as ND26SE3.

References:

RCAHMS 1911b, THIRD REPORT AND INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF CAITHNESS, Edinburgh, HMSO, 2-3, No. 4.

Talbot E J 1975c, TWO NEW CASTLE SITES IN CAITHNESS, Caithness Field Club Bull, 1, 6, 1975, October.

Talbot E 1979, 'THE RING OF CASTLEHILL, CAITHNESS ' A VIKING FORTIFICATION?', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 108, 378.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland