Description

The monument comprises the remains of an unenclosed prehistoric settlement visible as cropmarks captured on oblique aerial photographs. The settlement is likely to date to the Late Bronze Age or Iron Age (c 1800 BC - AD 400). The cropmarks indicate the presence of three roundhouse structures, a possible sunken-floored building, a round barrow and a number of pits. Two of the roundhouses are typical in size and form to other known examples. Both roundhouses comprise a penannular gully measuring 1-1.5m wide with an approximate external diameter of 11m; a gap in the S arc of each indicates the likely position of the entrance. To the NE of these structures are several pits ranging from 1-2m in diameter. The third roundhouse lies to the S and is much smaller, with an overall diameter of 7.5m. The sunken-floored building is sub-rectangular, measuring 8m NE-SW by approximately 3m. The round barrow is situated to the NE of the settlement and comprises a ring ditch measuring 4.5m in diameter, with a gap on the N arc. The settlement is on locally high ground at 125m above sea-level and commands extensive views in all directions, but particularly along the Forth Valley and across the Lothians. The monument was first scheduled in 1995, but the entry has been amended to better focus the scheduled area on the archaeological remains.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of later prehistoric settlement and economy. The survival of three roundhouses, as well as numerous pits and a sunken-floored structure which may contain additional features and occupation debris, means that the monument can significantly expand understanding of prehistoric settlement in SE Scotland. The survival of a single, broadly contemporary, round barrow in the near vicinity adds to the interest of the site and can inform our understanding of burial practices and treatment of the dead. Unenclosed sites are uncommon S of the Forth and very few examples are known in West Lothian. The monument therefore represents a rare example of an unenclosed settlement within a prehistoric landscape of generally enclosed settlements. Our understanding of the distribution and character of later prehistoric settlement in lowland Scotland would be diminished if this monument was lost or damaged.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 07 SE 26. The West of Scotland Archaeology Service records the site as WOSAS Pin 18175.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland