Description

The monument consists of a motte, an artificial or partly artificial mound which formed the site of an early timber castle, situated near the N shore of Loch Ken. The motte is a circular truncated cone of earth and stone, probably artificial. It is surrounded by a well defined ditch about 8m broad with a flat bottom about 2.3m across and a maximum depth of about 2.6m. The motte stands about 8.2m high from the bottom of the ditch. The outer bank of the ditch swells to the S to form a small platform about 3.2m square, though this may be natural. To the N the bank is very low: this may be due to damage from farming or it may mark the conjunction of a bailey. Alternatively an area of about 10m beyond the bank to the S may have been levelled for a bailey. To the E there is a cutting from a now disused railway. The area to be scheduled encloses the motte, ditch and bank, and is bounded on the N by the S edge of the railway cutting. It is an irregular semi-circle on plan and measures a maximum of 160m WNW-ESE by 80m, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because, although lacking a clearly identifiable bailey, the motte is in good condition, the shape being well defined and the relation of ditch and bank being clear. As well as being a very visible remnant of medieval settlement in the area the below ground archaeology of the site has the potential to further our knowledge of life in such settlements and give an insight into the early history of the village of Parton which lies close by.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NX 66 NE 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland