Description

The monument is the remains of a settlement dating probably from the early historic period, sometime between AD 300 and AD 900. The settlement lies buried beneath the plough soil and is visible as cropmarks captured on oblique aerial photographs. The remains comprise up to five rectangular timber buildings or halls, measuring on average about 25m long by 9m wide. Some of the buildings have additional annexes and interior variations. The monument is located on a low plateau within open arable land and is surrounded by shelter belts of trees. A watercourse is located directly to the SE. The monument was scheduled in 1994, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is rectangular in plan, measuring approximately 141m NW-SE by 94m transversely. The scheduling includes the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence for the monument's construction, use and abandonment may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. On the SE side, the scheduling extends up to but excluding a post and wire fence.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because of its significant potential to contribute to our understanding of early historic settlements in southern Scotland. It is an exceptional example of its type, and has enhanced significance because of the rarity of its class. It can greatly enhance our knowledge of early historic building types, economy, social structure and settlement patterns. Our understanding of the form and function of early historic settlements in Scotland would be significantly diminished if this monument were to be lost or damaged.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO20NE 35.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland